Tuesday, 30 May 2023

 John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (18:10): (247) My adjournment this evening is for the Minister for Education in the other place, Minister Hutchins. Every Victorian family should be able to count on a great local school wherever they live and whatever their needs are. That is why I was proud to learn that this budget invests $618 million to build nine new local schools and that this budget commits to planning and early works for three more schools. I am proud that one of the schools that will receive support in this budget is the Camberwell Primary School, to kickstart planning on upgrades.

Victoria is known as the Education State for a reason, and Labor will always invest in ensuring Victoria is a leader on the world stage with education. Our government knows that education is a great social equaliser. Giving Victorians the best learning opportunity means that we have a smarter, fairer and more prosperous society. Every industry requires well-educated Australians, and early learning opportunities are the best way to ensure students can achieve their best.

We know through Australian and international research that effective learning intervention is achievable through tutoring and small group learning support. In 2021 the tutor learning initiative supported more than 185,000 students with over 8000 tutors, and in 2022 almost 160,000 students were supported with more than 7000 tutors. An independent evaluation found that tutors have strong and positive impacts in schools, with 88 per cent of primary school principals and 75 per cent of secondary school principals reporting improvements in student achievements because of tutors. Tutors are delivering great outcomes for students and assisting them to stay engaged with their education.

I am proud that the Andrews Labor government has supported schools to provide more than 435,000 opportunities for students to participate in intensive small learning groups at school. In this year more than 90,000 students have been supported by more than 4200 tutors, guaranteeing more kids the hands-on guidance and support they need to go further in school. More than 88,000 students in low-fee non-government schools have been able to receive targeted small learning group support in 2021–22. So far more than $738 million has been invested in this initiative.

I have no doubt that for many young people this program will be what they need to have the best possible education. I personally know how big a difference it can make to students who just need a little bit of extra help. The program is part of this government’s commitment to improving education throughout the state. So tonight the action I seek is for the minister to provide an update on how the tutor learning initiative has improved learning outcomes for children in my community of Southern Metropolitan.