Wednesday, 19 February 2025

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC) (14:19): Yesterday’s interest rate cut was welcome relief for so many Victorian families right across our state – the first in four years after 13 interest rate rises in a row. We know families are still under pressure and that pressure has not gone away overnight. Families are juggling so much to give their kids the best start, but it is harder and harder in a cost-of-living crisis. We know at back-to-school time it can be even more stressful for families, but the Allan Labor government has your back. From free kinder to free TAFE to targeted financial support from P–12, we know this support can change a young life forever. We know under Labor, building the Education State is ensuring that all children, no matter their postcode, no matter their parents’ education, no matter their income, are supported to get the best start in life and live a life of purpose.

Already $120 million has been claimed through the Allan Labor government’s school saving bonus, putting money directly into the back pockets of families, which they can spend on other relief. $21.1 million we put in the last budget to expand the school breakfast program to every Victorian government school across our state. Another cost-of-living measure is the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, and an important change we have made for this year is to make sure that families can pool their resources and have more ability to pool it to certain kids and to certain activities in the school. That is what you get when a Labor government works hand in hand with the sector. There is the Glasses for Kids program, because not having 20/20 vision should not be a barrier to learning, nor should your parents’ bank account.

Under the Allan Labor government every person, no matter their postcode, will get the best start in life. We know cost-of-living pressures have only added to the burden on families. We know that getting to school with all the essentials can be a challenge, but under the Allan Labor government you can rest assured that students will have the support they need, because we know the right support at the right time can change the course of a young person’s life forever. That is what Labor governments stand for.