My constituency question is to the Minister for Education. How is the Andrews Labor government supporting students in my electorate to attend school camps? My electorate of Glen Waverley is home to some of the best schools in the state. A good quality public education system gives every child a fair opportunity to succeed in life. I am so proud that the Andrews Labor government is investing in local school upgrades across my electorate. Upgrades for Burwood East Primary School, Glen Waverley South Primary School, Glenallen School, Parkmore Primary School, Vermont Secondary College, Vermont South Special School, Weeden Heights Primary School and Wheelers Hill Primary School are progressing. In addition, the recent budget secured $10.9 million to upgrade the learning spaces at Forest Hill College.
Not only are we investing in our local schools, but we are also expanding opportunities for Victorian students in government and low-fee non-government schools to attend camps. School camps are a great opportunity to connect with new friends, strengthen relationships and encourage physical and mental wellbeing. I believe that this is a great investment for my community, and I will say it, I look forward to the minister’s response.
Minister’s Response:
On 9 June 2023, I announced an investment of more than $130 million over 4 years to help schools meet their time-in-lieu requirements under the Fair Work Act – with teachers and support staff to receive back pay from the start of this year.
School camps support students to develop important skills they can take with them into life and their career – this latest investment ensures schools and teachers can continue delivering students the formative experiences they need, with on-call payments to staff who are required to attend school camps overnight.
Victoria is home to some of the most exceptional teachers and staff in the nation, with an additional payment of around $200 per night or 4 hours pay for being on-call while at camp, ensuring their dedication is recognised.
In addition, the Labor Government’s latest investment lifts support for extra-curricular activities in Victorian government schools to $299 million, following an increase in the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund in the Victorian Budget 2023/24. This Fund helps families in need to facilitate their child’s participation in these wonderful extracurricular activities, including school camps.
More than 200,000 students attend camps and participate in sporting events and excursions under the Fund each year, and this boost will make sure more kids across the state – no matter their background – can reap the benefits of education outside the classroom.
The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP
Minister for Education
Minister for Women
