Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was delighted to attend the National Science Week launch at St Benedict's College, Mango Hill, last week. It is now more important than ever to get students engaged in science, technology, engineering and maths, because I am advised some 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations require these STEM skills.

I would like to thank St Benedict's Science Curriculum Leader, Tracey Mortimer, who is clearly committed to providing excellent educational outcomes for her students. Thanks also to Allison Golsby, the STEM professional, who has been working with the students in a mentoring capacity.

St Benedict's College at Mango Hill has a phenomenal robotics program, which is increasing students' strengths and interests in technology. As a federal government, we have been able to deliver more than $600,000 for St Benedict's through the Capital Grants Program. This has provided new student facilities, including four new science labs. On top of this, the federal government is increasing funding to education by some $876 million over four years. As our science minister said last week:

Science is critical for jobs, growth and business success.

It underpins our nation’s innovation capacity. This is important because today’s innovation is tomorrow’s industry and tomorrow’s jobs.