There are three types of schools in Australia (Government, Independent and Catholic) can be daunting to navigate, particularly when trying to choose the right school for your child. Here’s an explanation of ‘types’:

Government Schools (or Public Schools) are constitutionally, state and territory government responsibilities in relation to the regulation of school education and the administration/funding of them. However, The Australian Government has the capacity to be the major provider of public funds as well as play a leading role in ‘educational leadership’ and working with stakeholders to ensure a consistent learning and teaching for all Australian Schools.
Students attending a Government School attend at no, or a minimal cost.
Australian Government – School Education

Independent Schools (or Private Schools or Non-Government Schools) are Schools not run by local, state or federal governments but are self funded. Due to this, these Schools are entitled to chose their students whilst setting their own tuition fee. Non-Government schools often promote strong old scholar networks, exceptional facilities and a broad curriculum not offered in counterpart schools.
Independent Schools often have Boarding Houses, attracting students from regional, interstate and overseas.
Independent School Council of Australia

Catholic Schools These schools are also known as ‘systemic’ and are funded mainly by state and federal government and have low fees. Students are drawn mainly from the associated religious sector with staff also aligned to the same values as the School.
National Catholic Education System