Wednesday, 17 August 2022

 Dr RATNAM (Northern Metropolitan) (12:51): (1918) My constituency question is for the Minister for Education. I recently attended a great forum organised by a grassroots community group called RISE, who are advocating for support for public education in the north of Moreland, now known as Merri-bek, in my electorate. Dozens of parents raised deep concerns about their ability to access good-quality public education in their communities. As I raised in an adjournment on this matter in May this year, Merri-bek’s three public secondary schools—Glenroy secondary, John Fawkner secondary and Pascoe Vale Girls—are in need of support. Despite the tireless work of terrific staff, students and the community, enrolments are declining after years of low investment and funding support for these schools and an absence of any long-term planning for the region, resulting in inadequate facilities and limited subject choices. The school community have undertaken extensive advocacy within the community and to their local members of Parliament to support these schools. However, the previous minister refused to commit to an education plan for the region. I ask if the government will commit to an education plan for the public schools in the north of Merri-bek in my electorate.