Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (09:55): I love education and I love seeing young people get the best possible start in life, and I dedicated 10 years of my life to that pursuit. Over the parliamentary break I had the opportunity to attend a number of schools in my electorate: Marian College in Ararat, Gordon Primary School, Eynesbury Primary School, Timor Primary School and St Mary’s Clarkes Hill, all wonderful institutions where teaching flourishes. There are wonderful staff who are doing their absolute best, teaching eager students who want to take their place as tomorrow’s leaders. On our side of the chamber we have four former teachers: Ms Bath, Mrs Hermans, Mrs Deeming and of course me. We take education seriously, and we want to see an education system where teachers are valued and students have the potential to reach their best possible point in life. I want to acknowledge every single teacher and support officer in the state. In whatever capacity you support our students, it is appreciated, and we on this side of the chamber thank you for the challenging work that you do every single day.