Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. The government will be investing $63.7 billion in education for the period of 2009-12. I understand that is a figure that Senator Joyce is targeting for his savings adventure. The $63.7 billion that this government is spending compares with the $33 billion that the Liberals invested between 2005 and 2008. So this government is doubling the amount of money we are spending on school education in this country.

The students in Shepparton will see their share of that money, by which they will see huge benefits for every student in every school in Shepparton. It is the Liberal Party that wants to take that money away from them. It is the Liberal Party that is saying that those facilities that this government is building in Shepparton should be stripped from those students. It is the Liberal Party that is saying that the people of Shepparton are not entitled to a fair go when it comes to education. So, Senator Fielding, I trust you will ask the Liberal Party how much money they are taking out of schools in the electorate of Shepparton, from the people of Shepparton, from one of the most disadvantaged communities in the state of Victoria.