Music education
Katie HALL (Footscray) (00:33): (1086) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me in hosting a round table with the music education sector. As the Parliamentary Secretary for Creative Industries, equity of access to arts and culture is at the forefront of my work, with music education being of paramount importance. Music, and the ability to create it, is fundamental to the human experience and should be available to everyone, especially children. Within the sector the benefits are well understood. Music, both classroom and instrumental, is one of the most enriching activities available for primary school aged children. The neurological benefits cannot be understated. There is a wealth of evidence in Australian and overseas contexts that shows music education improves learning outcomes across the board, particularly within STEM subjects. Children who have access to music education have higher attendance rates, greater engagement and improved behavioural outcomes. The sector has known this for a long time, and I am excited to continue the work, alongside the Minister for Education, to help realise these amazing benefits for all Victorian public school children.