Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

We can all remember a great teacher. I went to public schools in Lockridge in York and in Northam, and I'm always grateful for the efforts of teachers. I remember my first class in year 5, when Mrs Carmichael at York District High School had us all lie down on the classroom floor. She drew the curtains, she turned out the lights and, on the record player, she played all six minutes of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. This was the first time I had ever heard it and it was an unforgettable experience. That is what good teachers do: they open eyes, ears and minds; they expose their students to aspects of culture and examples of greatness; and they plant seeds that allow us to imagine different futures for ourselves and for our world.

It is, as all members know, school graduation season across Australia, and I'm looking forward to visiting many schools upon returning to Hasluck. I have already had the honour of being present at a few celebrations so far. On Friday I presented flags at Henley Brook Primary School. The students there had a chance to honour their teachers for World Teachers Day. They spoke about how they wanted their teachers to know how much they were appreciated; that they were patient, caring, full of wisdom; and that they helped their students to reach for the stars. One said, 'Thank you for staying up late marking our work, thank you for helping us when we were stuck, and thank you for cheering us on. You make a huge difference in our lives.'

Last Tuesday, I spoke to the graduating class of Morley Senior High School while presenting an award to an extraordinary student, Amelia, for the leadership she's demonstrated not just within the school but outside the school as well. And I was also honoured last week to attend Cyril Jackson Senior Campus, where hospitality students welcomed successful alumni back to visit. Earlier that day, I also met with play group teachers and parents in Meerilinga.

The Albanese government has come to agreement with every state and territory for raising public school funding to 100 per cent of the school resourcing standard, and I'm happy to be able to say that Western Australia was the first state to strike a deal, and schools across Hasluck are already benefiting from this improvement.

Our educators span across all ages and walks of life. They include the accredited and qualified teachers in our schools, and also people who share their knowledge and experience in many ways—the doctors mentoring young graduates at Midland Hospital, the instructors passing on their wisdom at Smart Martial Arts at Ellenbrook and the older hands at Wally Bates Memorial Boxing Club in Midland, coaching and mentoring their charges.

We honour our teachers every year and everyday by delivering for them where we can do so. I'm proud of our government's achievements on this so far.

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