The department is building Queensland’s future by empowering confident and creative lifelong learners through a student-centred approach to learning and wellbeing.
In 2021–22, the department achieved an operating surplus of $159.196 million against a total departmental controlled budget of $11.010 billion. Of this surplus, approximately 77% ($122.841 million) relates to non-cash accounting entries for school activities including contributions for land gifted to the department under 'Priority Development Agreements' and the recognition of school minor works and donated assets.
Key investments during 2021–22 included:
- continued delivery of infrastructure and capital programs including investments under the Building Future Schools Program which is intended to address enrolment growth
- provision of world-class learning environments for students across Queensland
- investment in growth, renewal, maintenance and enhancements, including:
- works under the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program to install new air conditioners in Queensland state school classrooms, libraries and staff rooms
- installation of solar and energy efficiency measures under the Advancing Clean Energy Schools Program in state schools to reduce energy costs by up to $10 million per annum and assist in offsetting the energy needs of new air conditioning installations across the State.
The department’s material financial statement balances reflect our large school land and buildings portfolio across 1,258 schools, and the payment of salaries for our school, regional and central office full-time equivalent (FTE) employees who number in excess of 75,000. Supplies and services expenses were dominated by curriculum resources, school utility costs, and the maintenance of our large asset base.
The continuing COVID-19 health pandemic has not materially impacted the department’s financial results. However, the department has continued to experience lower levels of international fee revenue stemming from a reduced international education program. There have also been limited reductions in expenditure in certain areas such as travel costs, these cost reductions were partially offset by additional costs in COVID-19 supplies and associated freight costs.
In accordance with section 77(2)(b) of the
Financial Accountability Act 2009, I have provided the Director-General with a statement that the financial internal controls of the department are operating efficiently, effectively and economically in line with section 54 of the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2019. As the Acting Chief Finance Officer, I have therefore fulfilled the minimum responsibilities as required by section 77(1)(b) of the
Financial Accountability Act 2009 (Qld).
Alison Mohr
A/Assistant Director-General, Finance, Procurement and Facilities Division and Chief Finance Officer
Financial snapshot
Controlled revenue: Departmental services revenue | 8,788,389 | 8,743,277 | 9,416,379 | 9,482,432 | 10,233,346 |
Controlled revenue: Other revenues | 623,685 | 693,918 | 642,091 | 681,024 | 749,394 |
Controlled expenses | 9,355,315 | 9,390,372 | 10,057,156 | 10,006,139 | 10,823,544 |
Operating surplus | 56,759 | 46,823 | 1,314 | 157,317 | 159,196 |
Administered grants (state) | 875,602 | 878,917 | 917,746 | 1,037,219 | 1,195,695 |
Capital outlays | 609,490 | 932,954 | 1,158,950 | 1,162,642 | 1,326,104 |
Total assets | 19,600,361 | 21,141,882 | 22,496,467 | 24,358,030 | 27,746,398 |
Total liabilities | 901,837 | 1,059,762 | 998,135 | 1,161,644 | 1,447,456 |
Net assets/liabilities | 18,698,524 | 20,082,120 | 21,498,332 | 23,196,386 | 26,298,942 |
|
2017–18 |
2018–19 |
2019–20 |
2020–21 | 2021–22 |
Employee expenses ($000) | 6,600,850 | 7,031,481 | 7,603,666 | 7,691,693 | 8,087,572 |
Number of FTE employees at 30 June | 72,341 | 73,741 | 73,971 | 75,297 | 75,267 |
Source: Department of Education Financial Statements
For a comprehensive set of financial statements covering all aspects of the department’s activities, see the
financial statements section of this annual report. No totals have been adjusted for commercial-in-confidence requirements.