Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I know those opposite disagree, but their views are at odds with leading economists, the Australian Treasury, the Reserve Bank and the OECD—not that I am surprised. The Leader of the Opposition seems to think that his view being at odds with those of the experts reflects on the quality of Australian economists. Well, I think rejecting expert advice for no good reason is actually a reflection on the quality of Australia's federal opposition. If the opposition had their way, 200,000 Australians who are employed now would have joined the dole queues, Australia would have suffered a recession and Australia's primary school students would be continuing to learn in second-rate facilities. That would have truly been a waste.

The second important purpose the BER serves is to provide a long-term investment in the educational outcomes of our children. These 21st century facilities will not only benefit the schoolchildren of today but be enjoyed by children and communities for generations to come. The question has to be asked: why has the coalition been so negative about something that teachers, students and parents have all been so excited about? Why the negativity about a program that is providing better education facilities for our primary and high school students? The only people I have met who do not support the BER are those opposite. I have seen a number of their state colleagues alongside me celebrating the openings of these facilities. I am not surprised that federal coalition members are nowhere to be seen at BER ceremonies. If I were opposing a building program that was delivering such great outcomes for students, I would be embarrassed to show my face too.

The other question that I am still contemplating is: why, when the federal coalition have been so against the BER, have their state colleagues been so delighted with it? Will Hodgman, the Leader of the Tas­man­ian Liberals, and his colleagues Vanessa Goodwin, the member for Pembroke, and Jacquie Petrusma, the member for Franklin, have all been at BER openings with bells on. They have been there because they know that the people who elected them to Tasmania's parliament are benefiting from this program. They know that the children, the next generation of voters, are benefiting from this program, and they want the people to know that they support this investment in our schools—and they are right to support it.

Over four years, approximately 24,000 projects will be delivered to more than 9,000 schools across Australia. This is an achievement that the Labor government takes great pride in. We are proud of the fact that school communities are enjoying new facilities that will enhance learning on a daily basis. The school students of today are the leaders of tomorrow and we want them to have the best possible opportunities as they prepare for their future.