North-Eastern Metropolitan Region
Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:44): My question is for the Minister for Education. Vermont South Special School in my electorate is a very valuable institution that supports 140 students with mild intellectual disabilities, and they have long offered a two-week swimming program funded by the Department of Education. This program is essential for teaching life-saving swimming skills but has been disrupted since 2020 due to the lockdowns and the inability to return to a previous venue and a lack of alternative venues in the region. Despite the strong efforts of the school’s outstanding principal Jane Henderson and the school council, Vermont South Special School has been unable to secure a suitable venue for its swimming program and has had to suspend it, and attempts elsewhere have failed. Given the importance of water safety, especially in Australia, can the minister advise what support or alternatives might be provided to ensure Vermont South Special School students regain access to life-saving swimming programs?