Thursday, 13 November 2025

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:58): My constituency question is to the Minister for Education, and it concerns Essendon Keilor College, a terrific school which educates many students from my electorate. Minister, I am informed by constituents whose children attend the school that the decision has been made to close its East Keilor campus. I understand that students will be transferred to the school’s Niddrie campus. Minister, at the same time as your government is imposing massive activity centres and development on this community, why are you closing a school and condemning these students, and the ones that will come, with your planning changes to overcrowded classrooms when there is clearly land there ready to be used as a school available and the area is going to need schools into the future? I understand your department has endorsed this decision. I am after a clear answer from you, Minister, as to why you have made the decision and what the land is going to be used for. Is it going to be sold off for more high-rises? We need an answer from the minister on behalf of my community.