Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Western Victoria Region

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (14:07): (1632) In my electorate in Geelong an early learning centre catering to children from six weeks to 5 years is in crisis. Shockingly, they have had to employ security contractors, not to protect against outsiders or even parents but to manage the behaviour of some of the children – behaviour including a four-year-old girl who punched a staff member in the face. This is no nurturing environment, it is a war zone. Seriously, security contractors are policing early learning and kinders. This is not an isolated problem: I am told the primary school next door has been locked down multiple times. Primary-aged children are damaging cars and attacking people in the adjoining car park – really? What urgent measures will the minister implement to address this alarming breakdown in behaviour, support overwhelmed staff and ensure a safe learning environment for these young children and the broader school community?