Sally Sitou (Reid, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Former prime minister Paul Keating said that education provides 'the keys to the kingdom' because it unlocks opportunities for all. I know that because it unlocked opportunities for me. That the daughter of migrants who came here speaking very little English and having very little formal education was able to go on to study at university and then become the federal member for Reid is testament to the power of education and the power of public education. There is nothing more extraordinary than being able to open those doors of opportunity, particularly for people who are not born into positions of privilege. I want to particularly thank my former public school teachers, from my year 2 teacher, Ms Reaper, who taught me a love of learning by gifting me my first book, The Magic Pudding, to my year 5 teacher, Mr Wilson, for teaching me how to work in teams—and there are friends from that class that I have still to this day. I want to thank, in particular, my son's public school teachers, Ms Yang and Ms Beattie, for teaching him a real love of learning. To all our public school teachers: I want to wish you a very happy public education day.