Thursday, 2 April 2026

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC) (14:35): It is sometimes said that the Parliament is like a classroom. You have the principal up the front holding everyone to account, making sure we are educated and laying down the law when it needs to be done. You have the high achievers as well, who are excelling wherever they go. But we also know you do have some that need just that little bit more support. We all know the type: use a mobile phone when they should not, tape one another in class, poor attention to detail. We all know it is always going to end in tears.

It is the last day of term, and I think we should do a report card because it is a great opportunity to compare. When it comes to mathematics, you only have to look at this side to see 100 new schools, more hospitals and more cost-of-living support, but we also know we will continue to work hard because there is always room for improvement. On the other side, you have got to give credit where it is due. They are practising their maths. They are doing the numbers, but it is just on each other. When you are doing the numbers, you have got to be able to explain your budget black hole of $11 billion.

How are these numbers: 65 million meals served under the Allan Labor government; $1.9 billion invested in disability inclusion; 100 new schools opened – 19 this year; $1 billion invested in making sure every school has a mental health and wellbeing practitioner; 500,000 school uniforms delivered to our most needy students; and 2300 upgrades to schools all across Victoria. The only lesson they need on the other side is a Respectful Relationships remedial class.