Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Sarah CONNOLLY (Laverton) (19:16): (1466) My adjournment matter is for the Deputy Premier as Minister for Education, and the action I seek is that the minister update me on the $37 million upgrade for Bemin Secondary College in Truganina. As the Deputy Premier knows, our government has a very proud track record of delivering for schools right across Victoria, and this could not be clearer than in Wyndham. Over the past eight years we have built more than 100 brand new schools, and over 20 of them have been built right across this municipality, from Manor Lakes all the way to Point Cook and Truganina, schools like Dohertys Creek, Garrang Wilam and Warreen Primary School, a great local primary school, which have been built in my electorate by our government. This also includes Bemin Secondary College, Truganina’s first ever high school, which we opened last year and are continuing to support with $37 million in this year’s budget to deliver stage 2 at the senior campus. This school has fast become beloved by my local community. It is a major win, with two whole campuses, which are also a major win for my growing community.

Unlike those opposite who talk about cutting from our schools, our government ensures not only that new schools get built but that they get fixed up as well. When in government last, those opposite cut $1 billion from the education budget and scrapped the Victorian schools plan. Can you believe that – $1 billion? That meant that not a single new school was opened in 2016 once we got back into government. Since then, we have invested more than $18.5 billion over 10 years in capital upgrades for our schools, compared to a mere $200 million a year. Victorians know that education, supporting our local schools and ensuring kids get a world-class education are absolute, fundamental Labor values. They are a key part of what our government stands for and what I stand for as the local member. We will always, always, back in our schools. That is why I know that this fantastic local school community in Truganina would greatly appreciate an update from the Deputy Premier on where we are at with delivering this incredible upgrade.