Thursday, 15 August 2019

In reply to  Mr GRIMLEY (Western Victoria) (19 June 2019)

Mr MERLINO (Monbulk—Minister for Education):

The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $5.6 billion over the past five State Budgets to build new schools and modernise existing educational facilities across Victoria. Our ongoing challenge, however, is to responsibly balance and prioritise the needs of over 1,500 government schools in Victoria, all in varying condition.

Investment in education and school infrastructure is a priority for the Victorian Government. While no funding was allocated in the 2019-20 State Budget for this project, I can assure you that the infrastructure needs of all schools, including those of Warracknabeal Primary School, Warracknabeal Secondary College and Warracknabeal Special Developmental School, will be considered through future State Budget processes and when determining priorities for the capital works program.

In reference to your concerns regarding Warracknabeal Special Developmental School, I am advised that the three schools in the precinct—Warracknabeal Primary School, Warracknabeal Secondary College and Warracknabeal Special Developmental School—have agreed upon interim measures that allow them to operate with minimal disruption and have been doing so since Term 1, 2019. I am advised that a representative from the Victorian School Building Authority has been in regular contact with the school communities.

Regarding the safety concerns you raised, if schools have urgent maintenance or repair issues that are beyond their budget capacity and directly impact on student or staff safety, they can submit an application for funding under the Department’s Emergency Maintenance Program. Schools can contact the Department’s Regional Office for further advice about this program.

I can assure you that having modern and up-to-date classrooms and facilities in our schools is a fundamental part of ensuring that every child has the best possible education. We cannot build the Education State without investing in our schools’ bricks and mortar. However, it will take some time for the entire asset portfolio to be brought up to a standard commensurate with that ambition.

I trust this information is of assistance.