Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Ministers statements: education system

Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for Medical Research) (14:09): The Allan Labor government know that investing in public education is the most important public investment we can make. That is why since 2015 we have invested an additional $30 billion in building the Education State right across our state. Here is a bit of a pop quiz for everyone in the Parliament; let us start the new year with a pop quiz. Pay attention. Which state is the first in Australia to have the best government school attendance? Victoria. Which state is leading the country on school leavers fully engaged in education or work? Victoria. Which state has grown its investment per student higher than any other jurisdiction? Which state has the best NAPLAN results in Australia? On this side of the house –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Members are being disorderly today. I would ask you not to interject. The member for Eildon I think was going to raise a point of order on that matter. The Minister for Education to continue without assistance.

John Pesutto interjected.

The SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, are you defying my ruling?

Ben CARROLL: I can offer tutoring to the Leader of the Opposition, but he would cut it like Free Fruit Friday. We also know on this side of the house that we are going to have an inaugural speech later today from someone who knows all about education, the new member for Mulgrave, and I guarantee everyone in this Parliament – everyone – that we will not hear from her tonight what the member for Mornington said, ‘Let’s extend HECS to school students.’ In his great inaugural speech that is what he said. In a cost-of-living crisis, with inflation: ‘Let’s extend HECS to school students.’

John Pesutto interjected.

Ben CARROLL: I see the opposition leader is not ruling it out. That is very good. Thank you, opposition leader, for putting that on the record.

Our commitment to Victorians is that the Allan Labor government will do our homework. We will get our homework in on time. We will also make sure we study and work hard on behalf of every Victorian during this inflation and cost-of-living crisis. Our government is investing around $750 million to support students and families, whether it is the free glasses program, the 40 millionth breakfast we served with the member for Tarneit – (Time expired)