Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today we celebrate Public Education Day. It's a day to recognise and honour the central role public education plays in our community. It's also an opportunity to express our gratitude to the dedicated teachers, principals and support staff who work tirelessly to shape the minds of our young generation.

Public education is the bedrock of our society, creating opportunities and setting up our young people for a brighter future. It is through public schools that we foster knowledge, critical thinking and social cohesion. That's why I'm proud to be part of an Albanese Labor government committed to building a better and fairer education system for all Australians. This includes fair funding in public education, addressing the workload of our teachers and working to turn around the workforce shortage. A properly funded education system is crucial to creating a better future for the next generation of young Australians.

On that note, I'm delighted to inform the House that four local schools in my electorate of Bennelong were successful in their applications for funding under the Schools Upgrade Fund. Congratulations to Eastwood Heights Public School, Ryde Public School, West Ryde Public School and Carlingford Public School. This funding will help create better learning environments for their students and ensure that they have the resources they need to thrive. So today, as we celebrate Public Education Day, let's reaffirm our support for our great public education system. Let us appreciate all the individuals who keep it running every day.