My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me at Livingstone Primary School. Victoria is the Education State, and this is only possible thanks to our high-quality public education system, which our government supports. I take this opportunity to once again urge the federal government to come to the table and ensure that our public schools are fully funded. Public education provides an opportunity for every single child, no matter their background or socio-economic status, to learn the knowledge and skills they need for the future. It gives people hope for a better future and it opens countless doors for the next generation to unleash their potential.
Part of the Allan Labor government’s commitment to the public education system is our Inclusive Schools Fund and what is now the ninth round of this program. Livingstone Primary School was the successful applicant. Located in Vermont South, in my electorate, Livingstone has been awarded $189,327 to build a new playground. This is an inclusive playground which will give children of all abilities new ways to socialise, develop and learn through play.
And a shout-out also to Burwood Heights Primary School in Burwood East, who have also received funding through the Inclusive Schools Fund. Thanks to this government, Burwood Heights has been allocated $299,529 to also build an inclusive playground.
I am proud to be part of the Allan Labor government, which supports equality and fairness in our schools, teaching our next generation respect and inclusivity. I thank the minister and his team for their work and I look forward to his response.
Minister’s Response:
Victoria continues to call on the Commonwealth to increase its funding commitment from 20 to 25 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) for government schools to ensure that Victorian government schools are fairly and fully funded. Victoria is also advocating for long-term funding for school infrastructure to be included in the agreement alongside the SRS, as recommended in the original Gonski review.
Launched in 2015 as a part of the Victorian Government’s Special Needs Plan, the Inclusive Schools Fund promotes inclusive and innovative practices in our public schools to better support the educational needs of all children, including those with disabilities or additional needs.
The program, currently in its nineth round has provided $80 million in funding to deliver more than 420 projects across our schools, ensuring students with disabilities can actively participate and engage with learning at their school. Project outcomes include the installation of all-abilities playgrounds, sensory gardens and playscapes.
The Inclusive Schools Fund program is currently delivering new inclusive playgrounds at Livingstone Primary School and Burwood Heights Primary School, through funding provided by the Victorian Government totalling $189,327 and $299,529 respectively.
These playgrounds will provide all students the ability to actively engage with their learning environment and their peers equally. Both projects are scheduled to commence work later this year, with completion scheduled for March 2025.
The Hon. Ben Carroll MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Education
Minister for Medical Research
