Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC) (14:38): Let me tell you about the sort of government Premier Allan presides over.

Members interjecting.

Ben CARROLL: No, you should listen. Let me tell you about young Toby. I met his mother Moana and him at the Victorian College for the Deaf last year. Toby had poor eyesight; he could not see. But thanks to the Allan Labor government’s Glasses for Kids program he got free eye tests and free glasses right there onsite at the school, down at St Kilda Road at the Victorian College for the Deaf. Toby and Moana, his mother, are just one example of the stories I get to hear under the Allan Labor government all around our state.

Can I also talk about the young children that go to school hungry but need a meal – our free breakfast program. Our prep bags – a major cost-of-living initiative, evidence based – are making sure no child goes without the books, reading and all the essentials that they need at school.

Richard Riordan interjected.

The SPEAKER: The member for Polwarth can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for Polwarth withdrew from chamber.

Ben CARROLL: We have free dental check-ups with the Smile Squad initiative and free public transport for under-18s. Nothing is more important for young children out in Melbourne’s growing suburbs than to get access to education. It is an absolute game changer – again, an evidence-based policy from the Premier and our government. We have free pads and tampons and the affordable uniforms policy. A Liberal government would never do the homework to see if they should get rid of the logos, would they. They loved their little Jeff Kennett badges; I am surprised they have not come back. But under our government we make sure every child gets access to a world-class education. There is the camps, sports and excursions program. These are programs that are life changing and set young people up for life and that only ever happen under an Allan Labor government.