Thursday, 20 June 2024

Ministers statements: education

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:44): I am delighted to rise to update the house on the enormous work the government is doing to support Victoria as the Education State. By next year every single student in a Victorian government school will be eligible for a free and healthy breakfast at their local school. In addition to this, there is the school saving bonus. Families in government schools and concession card holders in non-government schools will receive this support to help them cover the costs of uniforms, camps and excursions. Also there is the work we do to put healthcare professionals into our schools, and then there is the massive building program that is being led by the Minister for Education. I got a chance to see some of that when I was with my friend the member for Cranbourne a couple of weeks ago at Cranbourne Secondary College to hear about works that are about to start at that fantastic secondary school. Also with my other friend the member for Ashwood we had a good time at Ashwood High School, where I had a tour of the amazing new STEAM centre at that terrific school.

But of course our investment goes beyond just that in metropolitan areas, and it would be remiss of me not to talk about the support we have given to the Gippsland community. At Paynesville Primary School I hope the member for Gippsland East was out there supporting that – probably taking credit for it. That is how the National Party rolls. I am sure too the Leader of the National Party, the member for Murray Plains, was out there delighted at the investment for Swan Hill North Primary School. Did you take credit for it, Walshy? Yes, of course you did. We will continue to invest in schools right across the state because we are big backers of education here in Victoria.

The SPEAKER: Order! I remind members to call other members by their correct titles.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I have three very overdue matters from the Premier. Constituency question 494 in relation to a lack of capital investment in Brighton Primary School is 103 days overdue, constituency question 586 in relation to environmental issues in Elster Creek Canal is 60 days overdue and adjournment matter 525 in relation to the Bayley Birds and their good deeds is 90 days overdue. I would appreciate you writing to the Premier and asking her to respond to those matters.

Nicole Werner: On a point of order, Speaker, constituency questions 568, 634, 635, 647, 1124, 1127 and 484 are overdue for an answer. In particular question 484 is about community safety. With the rise in local crime, this is of exceptional concern.