Thursday, 5 February 2026

 Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (17:23): (1515) My adjournment is for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is an update on the implementation of the Merri-bek North education plan. The member for Pascoe Vale and I were proud to secure this education plan for our local high schools, and we have seen it deliver more subject choice, closer collaboration between schools, partnerships with universities and a master plan for the Glenroy College, which has been completed and includes a leading-edge science, technology, engineering, arts and maths hub. I know the Deputy Premier is proud of our Labor government’s record $18 billion investment in building, upgrading and modernising Victoria’s schools. Certainly one of my proudest achievements was securing $14.5 million for the new science and visual arts building and food technology hub at John Fawkner College, something I have been advocating for since discussions back in 2018 with the school council reps, including current mayor Nat Abboud. We were all very disappointed with the building delays but pleased that a new builder has now been appointed and work has recommenced. This building will be transformative for the school and for the Fawkner community. Changes are already happening at John Fawkner, with some impressive VCE results and recent growth in NAPLAN, thanks to the dedication of the wonderful teachers, leadership and staff.

It is also wonderful to see the community getting behind the school. We saw the big impact that this had at Coburg High some years ago, and I thank Cate Hall for her leadership. I will be attending the community-led forum next Thursday, and I am looking forward to hearing ideas on how we can all work together to best support growing enrolments in the coming years. I have also committed to ongoing meetings with the forum organisers and the school and would welcome close involvement from the department to ensure we have the resourcing, support and programs needed to further increase subject choice, enrolments and outcomes.

I have always believed that every child deserves access to a quality public school close to home, and my commitment to our community is lifelong. During my time on council I was able to secure joint local and state funding for the performing arts centre at Glenroy College, and we delivered the fabulous shared sports facilities at John Fawkner. They have just recently received another state government grant through active schools, and in partnership with Merri-bek council we have also upgraded the sports fields at Glenroy College.

Equality starts with education. It is our most powerful tool to improve lives, lift society and give everyone the opportunity of a life of dignity and purpose. This is why Labor governments invest so heavily in education and early years. I have also been proud to deliver the new government run and owned Wimbi early years centre at Moomba Park and major upgrades of Fawkner Primary, and Labor has also recently launched the Broadmeadows university campus hub led by La Trobe. I have delivered the $60 million health and community care centre of excellence at Kangan Institute, and our new Broadmeadows tech school is fast approaching completion. Education has been my number one priority since I was first elected as the member for Broadmeadows three years ago, and it will remain so for the entire time I have the privilege of representing my community.