Tuesday 15th May 2018
Leader of the Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh has said children in the Swan Hill region will have a brighter future under an elected Liberal Nationals government’s plan to boost support for parents and children in the early years of schooling.
The $80 million Brighter Futures Fund is a dedicated investment in lifting rural education results and closing the education divide between city and country students.
Mr Walsh said the Fund was the first step in working to overcome the unique challenges facing rural students.
“Where you grow up shouldn’t determine your future” Mr Walsh said.
“We need to take action to ensure our children have the best start in life.
“The Liberal Nationals will ensure our kids have a brighter future by investing in integrated education hubs that better support parents and ensure our kids reach their full potential – regardless of where they live.”
The Victorian Auditor General recently found “˜there is no sign that the gap in performance is likely to narrow. Indeed in some areas of performance the gap is getting wider’.
Results of the most recent Australian Early Development Census show 15 of Victoria’s 20 worst performing LGAs for early childhood education are in rural and regional Victoria.
Shadow Minister for Training Skills and Apprenticeships and for Young Victorians Steph Ryan said the integrated education hubs will be a one-stop-shop for allied health early childhood maternal and child health services and tertiary education.
“A short-term plan won’t secure real change. We know real change will only happen with a dedicated generational approach” Ms Ryan said.
“The Premier for Melbourne’s promise to make Victoria the “˜education state’ ends at Melbourne’s tram tracks.
“An elected Liberal Nationals government will do more than create number plate slogans.
“It takes a village to raise a child and we’ll help build that village to give children in rural and regional Victoria a brighter future.”
