Wednesday, 9 September 2026

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Education, Minister for Skills and Training, Minister for First Peoples, Minister for Women and Gender Equality) (14:24): Victoria has the best teachers, the best principals and the best education support staff in the nation, so it is only appropriate that they be the best paid in the nation too, because when we back our teachers, we are backing Victorian students. This year, for the second year running, Victorian students topped the nation in NAPLAN results. And now, in breaking news, Victorian students have beaten Canada, the Netherlands and Finland in science, reading and maths in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment results, and we are the best-performing state in Australia.

That does not happen by accident; it happens because we support students to learn. We support them to learn through things like breakfast clubs, through dedicated tutoring for students who need that little bit of additional help and through things like school-based mental health supports too. It is because we mandate best practice, including explicit instruction, and of course through phonics as well. But all this is at stake because, when those opposite promise $40 billion in cuts, they are promising to close schools.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the member for Surrey Hills knows that she should not be using the ministers statement in the way that she has to attack the opposition.

The SPEAKER: Member for Brighton, I will not uphold that point of order, mainly because you did not refer to the minister by her correct title.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: The shadow minister for prayer rooms should know very well to use correct titles. When those opposite promise $40 billion in cuts, not only do they promise to close schools, they promise to cut student supports and they promise to sack education support staff too. The Australia Institute’s report verifies this. This report makes it clear that the Liberals’ plan is impossible without sacking frontline workers. This is not a hiring freeze, it is an ice age. Labor will always back our teachers, we will back the principals, we will back the support staff and we will back the right of every Victorian student to a great education. Only Labor backs education and educators.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The member for Narre Warren North will leave the chamber for an hour and a half. Other members are reminded that it is not appropriate to shout down anyone who is on their feet.

Member for Narre Warren North withdrew from chamber.