Tanya Plibersek (Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Given that Victorian public schools face a $630 million funding cut, according to the Victorian government's own numbers, and with schools in Corangamite set to lose $12 million over the next two years alone, how is his policy fair or needs based?

Ms Henderson interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Corangamite is warned!

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for her question, which I assume is based on education union figures. Is that right?

Ms Plibersek interjecting—

Well, the honourable member can table the Victorian government document if she likes. She can table it—why not? Table it! What about the New South Wales government document you were referring to? Do you want to table that too?

Ms Plibersek interjecting—

It sounds like it is not there! In the electorate of Corangamite, ably represented by the honourable member, the year-on-year growth from this year is going to be 4.6 per cent in 2018, 4.6 per cent in 2019, 4.6 per cent in 2020 and 4.3 per cent in 2021. All Commonwealth funding grows from $83 million in 2017 to $99.2 million in 2021. School funding is increasing across the nation by $18.6 billion over the next decade. But, most importantly of all, it is needs based. It is based on the needs of the student, not on the political needs of the opposition.

The member for Sydney has been posing as a champion of underprivileged schools for years, and now she has been exposed. She is trying to defend one inconsistent secret deal after another. She knows—

Ms Plibersek interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Sydney! The Prime Minister will resume his seat. I have warned the member for Sydney yesterday and today. I cannot caution her any further. She will leave the chamber under 94(a). The Prime Minister has concluded his answer.

The member for Sydney then left the chamber.