Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Of course we have members opposite interjecting because they opposed these payments to families and they oppose this investment in schools. They oppose schools around the country being upgraded—that is, they oppose $12.4 billion of investment in primary schools. They oppose $1 billion of investment in science and language centres for secondary schools. They oppose $1.3 billion of investment in our national school pride program. These programs are there to make sure that children in this country are learning in 21st century facilities, but these programs are also there to ensure that there is support for jobs right around the nation.

As members in this House know or, at least, those members who support their local schools know, schools are in communities right around the nation. Even very small communities have a primary school and consequently these programs will enable capital and infrastructure development in schools right around the country.

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