Thursday, 28 November 2024

Ministers statements: education

Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for Medical Research) (14:26): We know families are doing it tough, and that is why in just three days more than $5 million has already been claimed from the Allan Labor government’s school saving bonus. It has been a wonderful result. That is $5 million of $280 million. That is another $275 million still to go – real cost-of-living relief for a kid’s education and a kid’s tuition.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order!

Ben CARROLL: He is going bananas.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the Opposition will come to order!

Ben CARROLL: The last time they went bananas they cut Free Fruit Friday, and we have delivered –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister will be heard in silence.

Ben CARROLL: Last time they were in office – and we know who was driving a lot of the reform in the Premier’s private office – Free Fruit Friday was cut. We have delivered 50 million school breakfasts. They cut the reading recovery initiative. We are delivering 25 minutes of daily explicit phonics –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Leader of the Opposition, I would ask you to cease interjecting over the table while the minister is on his feet.

Ben CARROLL: We do have a lot of wellbeing programs too for students to make sure they get the best start in life. We know they promised 3D printers for every school and they promised to build four schools. We promised 100, and we are going to open up 100 by the next election. Two thousand upgrades –

David Southwick interjected.

Ben CARROLL: Forget the interjection from the member for Caulfield. Everyone has a pathway in the Education State. We have more than 30,000 students doing the VET program as I speak, and I know the member for Caulfield is looking at doing a course in sound recording. He might be surprised. Music and sound recording – it might just improve his audio quality next time he decides to tape the Leader of the Opposition.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Caulfield, this is your final warning.