Wednesday, 21 June 2023

 Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Education, Minister for Women) (14:15): I rise to update the house around the importance of school camps and also the wonderful teachers that support our students while they are on school camps.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The member for Eildon is warned.

Natalie HUTCHINS: We know that school camps provide educational opportunities to students to get social connection, independence, emotional learning and outdoor education – some things that usual days at schools cannot offer. This government takes our investment in supporting all students to access camps seriously. That is why out of this budget we have invested $299 million for school camps. The Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund has received this really important uplift. What this will allow is for 200,000 students to gain financial support to be able to participate in these sorts of activities and camps so that they are not penalised if they cannot afford them. They get a boost, and it is a $170 million boost to make sure kids across this state, no matter their background, can reap the benefits of education outside the classroom. Families accessing the fund will be provided with an additional $25 per year to go towards these activities, for both primary and secondary school students. We are also ensuring students in specialist schools get access to this fund. We are also ensuring that teachers are better supported to deliver the camps by making sure they are fairly compensated for their work. An investment of $130 million will help schools to meet their time in lieu requirements. Teachers and support staff will receive back pay from the start of this year, with an additional payment of around $200 per night whilst on call at camp. This is about ensuring teachers’ work and dedication is recognised in a way that it has never been recognised before. School camps support students, and the important skills that they learn through them they carry for the rest of their lives.