Peter Garrett (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth) Share this | Hansard source

I am happy to take that supplementary question from the member for Banks. I know how important it is to him as a local member that the schools in his electorate are well supported. Let me apprise those listening what this government has done on education. Let us look at the existing level of investment in the member's electorate—107 new projects at 43 schools under the Building the Education Revolution program; building and upgrading 22 classrooms, seven libraries, 18 multipurpose halls and a language centre; and computers in schools that benefit from the national partnerships. The point about the National Plan for School Improvement for electorates like those of the member for Banks—and every Labor member knows it and every member opposite ought to know it—is that additional investment into schools in this country will make a difference to the education of the kids in those schools. We are investing in great teachers, focusing on school improvement, giving more power to local principals and giving the resources to do the things that count.

I spoke in my first answer in the House about how important it is that young Australians get on a sound footing in literacy and numeracy at an early age. That might mean, for example, a literacy coach in one of the member for Banks's schools. In fact, I visited I think the Narwee Public School with the member earlier on and I could see what a difference these investments are making and will continue to make under the National Plan for School Improvement. (Time expired)

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