Sarah Witty (Melbourne, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Strong schools build strong communities, and strong communities create better futures for everyone. That is why I am proud to highlight two schools in my electorate that are receiving support through the Commonwealth's Capital Grants Program. At St Joseph's School in Collingwood, a $1.5 million grant will refurbish classrooms and buildings and improve learning spaces for children. At Saints College in North Melbourne, a $3 million grant will upgrade key buildings on campus, improving safety and access for students and staff. For the students who learn there everyday, that will make a real difference to their school lives.

Since being elected as the member for Melbourne, one of the most rewarding parts of this job has been getting out and visiting schools across our community. While walking through schools like Fitzroy Primary School you see what education means at its most local level. Children arriving each morning ready to learn, supported by teachers who care deeply about their future. That is why the Albanese Labor government is working with states and territories, through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement and under the Schooling Resource Standard, to lift the federal government's share of school funding. The Commonwealth contribution will rise from 20 per cent to 25 per cent by 2034, bringing billions of dollars in extra funding into schools across the country and across Melbourne.

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting University High School in Parkville, where I spoke with students. And although it is still early in the school year, they are already thinking about what is next. For those who go on to further study, our government has also changed the HECS-HELP repayment system, so graduates can keep more of what they earn. For someone earning around $70,000 a year that means about $1,300 more in their pocket each year. That means more young people can study, train and build their future without carrying such a heavy burden of debt. The honourable Minister for Education summed up why this matters. He said, 'Education opens the doors to opportunity.'

This highlights how access to learning can transform individual lives and expand their future possibilities, and I see that clearly when spending time visiting schools across Melbourne. Whether it's a classroom in Collingwood, a primary school in Fitzroy or a high school in Parkville, the goal is the same: to give every child the chance to learn, grow and succeed to be the best they can be. For me, that is at the heart of why I am in politics. Every child deserves the best chance in life to reach their full potential.

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