An independent school in Victoria over-claimed approximately $23 million in government disability funding, according to a report by The Age published on Tuesday.
The Age reports that the school received the funds through a disability support program but was not entitled to the full amount. The discrepancy was identified during a review or audit of the school's claims, though the specific mechanism of the over-claim was not detailed in the available reporting.
The $23 million figure represents a significant sum within the context of state-funded disability support for non-government schools. Such funding is typically allocated to help schools meet the additional needs of students with disabilities, including specialist staff, equipment, and tailored learning programs.
The Age's report does not name the school or specify the exact time period covered by the over-claim. It also does not indicate whether the matter has been referred to law enforcement or whether the school has begun repaying the funds.
This case adds to a broader pattern of scrutiny over how disability funding is administered in Australian schools. Previous audits have flagged weaknesses in verification processes, and this incident may prompt tighter oversight of how independent schools document their eligibility for such payments.
What to watch next: whether the state education department announces a formal recovery process or changes to how disability funding claims are audited across all non-government schools.
