Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC) (09:48): I rise today to talk about the conversations I have been having on the ground across the great electorate of Niddrie. Over the summer period I have been out and about in the community, talking to people and getting on the phones. It has been a great way to start this year, doorknocking and phone calling in Gowanbrae, Keilor Park and Airport West. This is just the beginning. Can I say everyone in our local community is super keen to hear more about the key public transport initiatives, from the brand new trams coming to Keilor East station to free weekend travel and airport rail as well. Once we get the Sunshine superhub underway, airport rail will be well on the way too. Residents also wanted to discuss local schools. Having gone from no funding in Niddrie electorate, now millions and millions and millions of dollars are going to local schools. We actually had to bring the door from a local school in to the Liberal minister for education back in the day – that was how well the Liberals knew where Niddrie was. But what I can say is we have just appointed a builder for the $19 million redevelopment of Buckley Park College. There is also the cost-of-living support: the power saving bonus, the free kinder, the school saving bonus and the government community pharmacy program. This is what being a local representative is all about. These conversations with the community are invaluable in shaping the future. Listening is vital, but action is what counts: putting public transport front and centre for the Niddrie electorate, making sure we invest in education and making sure everyone in our local community has every opportunity to thrive and gets the power of education to transform their lives.