Thursday, 6 February 2025

 Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (17:46): (1392) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education. The residents of north Merri-bek have long voiced their frustration over the state of our public secondary schools. Coburg High School, Glenroy College, John Fawkner Secondary College and Pascoe Vale Girls College face growing inequalities, low enrolments, underfunding and declining academic outcomes. Since 2014 enrolments in these schools have steadily dropped, directly impacting school funding and limiting curriculum choices. Many parents are abandoning public schools in Melbourne’s north, seeking alternatives simply because of a lack of investment in the schools our young people deserve.

The Merri-bek North education plan had the largest community response of any education plan consultation to date, which only emphasises the deep concern and urgency felt by local families. Since the plan was introduced in 2022 limited meaningful progress has been made. The Merri-bek North education plan consultations found that parents want their children to have access to a diverse range of subjects, extracurricular activities and modern facilities. While the education plan remains in the works, none of the necessary changes are being implemented across these schools. We have heard from constituents that the students have been shipped around between schools to attend subjects individual curriculums do not have the funding to offer. This is not a system that fosters learning, it is a system failing our young people.

Pascoe Vale Girls school stands as of pillar of our community providing education to a diverse student body, including many from various cultural and faith backgrounds. It has the potential to thrive, but like so many schools in our region it needs greater support. There has been a longstanding demand from the community to expand the Pascoe Vale Girls school to become co-educational. The change would increase enrolments, strengthen funding and ensure a wider curriculum. The Merri-bek North community deserves stronger action and priority in education funding.

The action I seek from the minister is a commitment to funding for the families of north Merri-bek, as they deserve better. It is time for action to rebuild trust and reinvest in the future of our public schools.