More than 50 schools at risk of a terrorist attack around the country will be given security guards and closed-circuit TV systems amid heightened national security fears.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the overhaul will be unveiled today by federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan.
The program will include $18 million in funding for 54 schools that have requested assistance to hire security guards and buy security products to safeguard students.
The fears stem from the potential lone wolf terror and racist attacks at Islamic and Jewish schools.
It is the first time the federal government has funded school security, and Mr Keenan said the government would continue to look at improving measures to safeguard students as racial and religious tensions grow with the rise of the extremist Islamic State death cult.
“This support recognises the unique security circumstances that some schools face,” he said.
“This delivers on our election commitment to continue assistance to schools at risk of attack, harassment or violence caused by racial or religious intolerance.”
More than half the schools are Jewish and Islamic schools, while 22 are government and independent schools.
The majority of schools are in Western Sydney, with 29 of the 54 in NSW.
Mr Keenan, whose portfolio also oversees the Australian Federal Police, said safeguarding schools was the highest of priorities for government.
“The government wants to provide a safe environment for students, teachers and staff in Australian schools,” he said.
“All our children have the right to be educated in a safe and secure setting.”
The funding relates to the prospect of external attacks, but in November last year the AFP called on teachers to be on the lookout for students who may be in the process of being radicalised.
There were fears terrorist recruiters were attempting to recruit students at East Hills Boys High in Sydney.
The Australian Council of Jewish Schools has been vocal in seeking help to increase security at its schools.
The announcement continues the government’s focus on national security. Prime Minister Tony Abbott declared the “benefit of the doubt” would no longer be given to suspected extremists in the wake of the Martin Place terror attack and the foiled beheading plots.