The Institute for Education Reform published a research report in July 2026 that attempts to calculate what student disengagement is actually costing Victoria.
From the report introduction:
Much has been written about the extent and nature of student disengagement in the middle years of school. Published research shows that at least one in three students in middle school in Victoria is disengaged in one way or another. This disengagement carries wage income foregone, lost tax revenue, additional government spending, lost productivity, and a marginal tax burden, costs that can last a lifetime.
Because of these long-term effects, the report estimates that the 26,457 Victorian year 8 students who are disengaged from school this year will cost the state economy $33 billion over the course of their lives.
As if the human cost were not enough, this is a strong argument for investing in a public education system that can meet the needs of all students.
(The Age reported on this issue in late July 2026 – you can read the article if you have a subscription.)