Thursday, 13 November 2025

 Nick McGOWAN (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (19:31): (2114) My adjournment debate tonight is for the Minister for Education, and it relates to the new laptop program. When I say ‘program’ I use that word, shall we say, advisedly or perhaps on advice because the clear feedback I have had from my schools in the Ringwood electorate is that there is no money for these laptops. In other words, the schools are expected to provide these laptops to their children from prep through to grade 6 in whatever age group and year group they provide them, but they are having to carry the can. Through my adjournment debate, being for the Minister for Education, what I am keen to understand is how much my local schools have been apportioned or provided with in terms of funding to be able to pay for this program. The list of schools includes Marlborough Primary School, Whitehorse Primary School, Heathmont East Primary School, Antonio Park Primary School, Mitcham Primary School, Eastwood Primary School, Great Ryrie Primary School. Who have I missed? Heathmont East, Antonio Park, Mitcham, Whitehorse, Marlborough Primary School – I cannot forget Marlborough, one of my favourites. A favourite of yours too, President?

The PRESIDENT: I think you said it twice.

Nick McGOWAN: I have said a couple twice. I am just recollecting to make sure I have got them all for the minister so when he goes and looks at this list he has a comprehensive list. I am here to serve the minister at the end of the day; we are all here to serve the people. But through the minister and through the government, if I can assist him in any way, that would be great.

Members interjecting.

Nick McGOWAN: I am very generous. It is one of those days really. It seems I need assistance – and a jacket, as it turns out today. In time I am sure someone will donate one and I can wear it. But the serious point here is these schools are doing it tough as it is. They have got a tight budget. They have, over the last couple of years, been told to spend any money that they were holding in reserve for any particular special projects, be it those unforeseen expenses, those things that the government does not normally provide for but the principals and the leadership teams know are important. They have basically exhausted all those reserves and now they are being told by this government they have got to pay for all the laptops for the children, and there is not a cent in their budget for that purpose. This comes from the schools themselves. It does not come from my discussions with members in here or anywhere else for that matter. I am very keen to understand from the minister what each and every one of my primary schools has – or, let us be positive, perhaps they are about to receive a cheque for Christmas to help afford this into the new year. I am not sure that is the case. But in any case I would welcome some advice from the minister in respect to each of my primary schools and how much they can expect in terms of financial support to make sure this program is funded.