Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (09:46): The school year has started on a high note, welcoming thousands of Victorian students. Helping families save time and money is what this Labor government is all about. The Allan Labor government has rolled out important measures to put more money in the pockets of families, while saving them time every day. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund will support 190,000 students attending camps, sporting programs, excursions and school experiences, which no student should miss out on due to cost. It is why eligible students from both government and non-government schools will receive $400 per year towards these activities. We have got rid of school logos on shorts, pants, skirts and socks in government schools to cut the cost of uniforms and will continue to deliver school breakfast clubs, glasses for kids, free dental check-ups, free swimming lessons, free pads and tampons in government schools and free public transport for all kids every day, everywhere.
Giving children a strong start is critical. That is why the Allan Labor government is providing free three- and four-year-old sessional kinder and free kinder kits to ensure every child can freely access quality education, saving families up to $2693 per child. I am delighted that three new kinders are opening in my electorate, co-located at Wirrigirri Primary, The Lakes South Morang College and Glowrey Catholic Primary, saving parents time with the dreaded double drop-off and fuel costs. On top of that, we have duplicated the Epping Road, saving time for parents for the school drop-offs. This is what we will continue to do.