Thursday, 31 October 2024

 Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (14:50): (888) My question is for the Minister for Education regarding the Victorian School Building Authority’s make-safe program, and my question is: can you explain why Moe’s Albert Street Primary School must fund critical permanent repairs out of their operating budget? During the recent Parliament-in-schools session in Albert Street I observed a sectioned-off area in the main thoroughfare with removed flooring and walls and plastic barriers, and I was informed that it had been in place for over 12 months. I learned that while the make-safe program is meant to address emergency remediation works, this particular space has remained unstable and unsafe since October 2023. The school have been told they must fund the permanent repairs, estimated at over $25,000, from their own operating budget. This presents a substantial financial burden for the school. I understand that other schools in my electorate also face similar issues. Minister, could you explain why the Moe Albert Street Primary School must fund these permanent repairs out of their own budget?