Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

Well may we question the commitment of Tories around this country to education. We know that Victorians are doing this very much today. The average Victorian school is starting this year with a $10,000 cut as a result of a reduction in education funding. Mr Baillieu has taken away $300 from the School Start Bonus. He has cut free schoolbook distribution programs. He has cut literacy tutors. He has even cut the Free Fruit Friday program. Students will notice all of these things and, given that, you have got to ask the question: can we reach agreement with state governments that behave like that? We have faith that they will see the light, that they will come round and understand. That is why we say that if you want to actually join with us in a new partnership agreements—