Bracks Government pledges to overhaul Victoria’s schools

By Stephen Kelly

Victoria's Bracks Labor Government has committed to rebuilding or modernising every government school in the state within 10 years.

The Victorian Schools Plan, announced before the November 26 election, will replace or upgrade the schools that were built in the 1950s and build new schools in growing suburbs.

Having built or modernised one quarter of the state's 1600 schools over the past seven years, the plan commits spending $1.9 billion over this term of government to complete another 500 schools, with the rest to be rebuilt or modernised by 2016

The plan commits $1.2 billion to modernise more than 350 schools and complete regeneration projects; $219 million to build 20 new schools in growth areas; $45 million for 400 new relocatable classrooms; $60 million to establish the Ultranet for all government schools; $28 million for new computers in school classrooms; $50 million to refurbish, replace or rebuild 200 science classrooms; $50 million for new technical wings and equipment; $30 million for two specialist schools in sport and science; $40 million for construction of two new selective schools; $12 million to build three maths and science centres; $70 million to replace relocatable buildings with permanent modern facilities at more that 40 small to medium rural schools, and $48 million to upgrade TAFE facilities.

Then Education and Training Minister Lynne Kosky also committed Labor to building one new special school, two replacement special schools and to complete major renovations at another six special schools across Victoria.

Ms Kosky said Labor would also allocate $30 million in building grants for needy non government schools, as well as set aside land in growth corridors for new, not-for-profit schools.

The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian branch has campaigned strongly for a 10 year plan for public schools. AEU Victorian branch President Mary Bluett said the Victorian Government had clearly listened to and responded to the concerns of students, parents and teachers across the state. This comes on top of an announcement of 300 secondary teacher assistants to free up teachers from administrative tasks.

Stephen Kelly is a relieving Research Officer.

Demands taken to State Parliament

The challenge for the Iemma Government

TAFE demands on state politicians

MPs briefed on TAFE

For further information

December 2006 contents