Lol ,definitely not because of the goodness of their hearts. Most just pick off good public school students, one from each area to cover all bases to make their school look good. E.g they normally give at least three, one for a really academic person, one that's really good at music and arts and one that's really good at sport. They hit the jackpot when they find someone academic and music or academic and sporty.
I don't believe the government should fund private schools at all. But you Uncle John Howard was so good to them, not surprising so many private school people liked him.
I could have gone to a private school if I liked, but I chose not to. I believe in public education and think it is important. It makes me cringe how some families struggle to pay exorbitant private school fees for multiple children. They should save that money for other enriching stuff like extracurriculars, an overseas holiday or save it for uni. I think the diversity within in public schools is good. I will never send any of my kids to a private school, cause then I'd be a sell out to my beliefs.