Tuesday, 2 June 2026

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Medical Research) (15:20): Labor is and always has been the party that looks out for regional communities. We do not just talk about regional communities; we invest in them – regional hospitals, regional schools and regional police stations. That is why I was so shocked to hear the big announcement from those opposite made at their state conference in Caulfield on the weekend that they are going to guarantee 25 per cent of school infrastructure to the regions. Hang on a minute, there is one big problem. They have not done their homework; we know that. Their 25 per cent commitment to regional schools is a cut to what Labor and Jacinta Allan do for regional schools. Under Labor it is over 30 per cent; under the cutters over there it is 25 per cent. Do not take my word for it. They put 25 per cent in writing – their ‘fair share’ guarantee, except when it comes to education. Our last budget funded nine regional schools, so which ones are they going to cut? Is it Ararat Primary School in Ripon, or is it Bacchus Marsh College in Eureka? We know no-one trusts those opposite when it comes to investing in regional Victoria.

Danny O’Brien: On a point of order, Speaker, on the question that the minister must be factual, perhaps he could explain why work on Yinnar Primary School that they announced in 2022 still has not started, or Leongatha or any others.

The SPEAKER: There is no point of order.

Ben CARROLL: Regional communities know better than to trust any promise from those opposite. They all remember the 350 schools that Jeff Kennett closed, and we know who has come back to finish the job. $40 billion will mean deeper, stricter and harsher cuts than ever before.

Annabelle Cleeland: On a point of order, Speaker, we have regional students here today, one of whom is from a school operating with a generator. You are misleading the house. We have had 12 per cent of infrastructure –

The SPEAKER: There is no point of order.

Ben CARROLL: On the point of order, Speaker, I am happy to table the press release from Danny O’Brien and Jess Wilson, which is their 25 per cent cut.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Deputy Premier will refer to members by their correct titles.

Ben CARROLL: The member for Kew and the member for Gippsland South.