Parents pay $10,000 a year to send their children to this Sydney private school. But it doesn’t pay its teachers wages

Redeemer Baptist School, located in North Parramatta, has become the subject of intense scrutiny after revelations emerged that its teachers receive no wages despite the school's substantial reliance on government funding. With annual tuition fees reaching $10,000 per student, the school has attracted families seeking quality education, particularly due to its strong academic performance and participation in state-level competitions. However, beneath these accolades lies a complex financial model that has raised significant concerns among educators, academics, and watchdog organizations.

According to reports from *The Sydney Morning Herald*, the school has accumulated approximately $106.7 million in revenue over the past decade, including $52.7 million in government grants and $54 million in parent fees and other income. Despite this influx of funds, the school's financial records reveal that it has spent virtually nothing on teacher salaries. Instead, the school categorizes its staff as volunteers affiliated with the Redeemer Baptist Church, a denomination known for its strict adherence to religious principles and its influence over the personal lives of its members. This classification allows the school to avoid standard employment obligations, such as contributing to superannuation schemes or adhering to minimum wage laws.

Professor Clinton Free, an expert in accounting from Sydney University, described the school's financial practices as "deeply unusual" and potentially problematic. He noted that labor costs typically account for between 60% and 75% of total expenditures in similar institutions, yet Redeemer Baptist School's records show zero salary expenses. This discrepancy has sparked debates about the ethical implications of using public funds to indirectly subsidize wages through welfare systems. Some educators and former staff members have expressed concern that the system creates a form of double payment—where taxpayers' money is used to fund the school, while teachers simultaneously draw on Centrelink benefits, raising questions about fairness and transparency.

The school's unique approach to staffing is rooted in its religious philosophy. Teachers and support staff are considered part of the "ministry order" within the Redeemer Baptist Church, meaning their roles are viewed as spiritual duties rather than professional jobs. As a result, they are not classified as employees and thus are not entitled to the protections and benefits associated with formal employment. This arrangement has led to situations where highly qualified educators, who often work full-time, rely on Centrelink benefits such as Austudy and family tax benefits to supplement their income. Some former staff members have shared stories of the emotional and psychological strain caused by this lack of job security and financial stability.

The school's financial structure is also intertwined with its broader operations. Redeemer Baptist Church owns a vast property portfolio, which contributes to the organization's financial strength. This real estate holdings enable the church to generate additional revenue, which is then funneled into educational initiatives and community projects. However, critics argue that this setup blurs the lines between religious activities and commercial enterprises, potentially leading to conflicts of interest and misuse of public resources.

The controversy surrounding Redeemer Baptist School has prompted calls for greater oversight and regulation of religiously affiliated educational institutions. Advocacy groups and legal experts are now examining whether the school's practices violate existing laws governing the use of public funds and the treatment of workers. Meanwhile, the school maintains that its financial model is both legal and ethical, emphasizing that teachers choose to forego wages in exchange for a modest stipend and a sense of purpose tied to their faith. The debate continues, with stakeholders from various sectors weighing in on the implications of this unique educational model.