Thursday, 20 September 2018

 Ms GRALEY (Narre Warren South) (09:50): The slogan is on the car numberplates for everyone to see: Victoria the Education State. It means every student at every school, irrespective of their postcode, background, ethnicity, gender or sexuality, will receive a quality education. It is all about equity and excellence, and the Andrews Labor government is achieving that with record investment across the sectors — Catholic Education Office take note.

Labor has invested $3.8 billion in Victoria’s school infrastructure since being elected. More than 1300 school upgrades and 70 new school projects are being rolled out across the state, and I must mention the 10 new tech schools — state-of-the-art facilities for world-class learning. An array of innovative curriculum and student wellbeing programs is up and going, including the primary mathematics and science specialists initiative; Respectful Relationships, the Victorian anti-bullying and mental health initiative; and a favourite of mine, the Victorian Independent Office for School Dispute Resolution. And we have got the best NAPLAN results ever.

I would like to take the opportunity to commend the Minister for Education, a very determined leader. I say a big thankyou to the true believers on Team Merlino. I admire you as amazing young people, and it has been a pleasure to work with you, Ilsa Coulson, Beth Poulter, Libby Buckingham, Paul Frayne, Chris Carpenter, Ash Munoz and Sinead Mildenhall. Your commitment to our young people in our schools means they will have happier, healthier and more successful lives. Again, a big thankyou.