Eastern Victoria Region schools
Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:13): (259) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Education. Minister, local primary schools in Drouin and Warragul are bursting at the seams, with more and more portable buildings taking up more and more of the playgrounds to accommodate the massive growth in the area. The Catholic sector has stepped up and built new schools, but the state government has not. Can the minister advise what new primary schools are funded for Drouin and Warragul?
Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (12:14): I thank Mr Bourman for his question. I will be very happy to refer that to the Minister for Education, who will provide you with an answer in accordance with the standing orders.
Harriet Shing interjected.
Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:14): Thank you, Minister, and thank you, Ms Shing. Minister, the $380 million that your government just spent not hosting the Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria could easily have built 20 new primary schools in regional Victoria. Can the minister advise why the decision was made to spend the money on not hosting a sporting event rather than investing in Victorians of the future?
The PRESIDENT: Do you mind doing that again, Mr Bourman?
Jeff BOURMAN: I could, but it will come out the same. Just rule it out; I have got nothing.
The PRESIDENT: You make my life so easy. Mr Bourman is happy to stand on his substantive.