Extra Infrastructure Funding For Public Schools

By Senator Jana Stewart's Office: (03) 9232 8120

22 April 2024

 

Senate order on entity contracts | Office of the Special Investigator Victorian Government | Welcoming Cities

THE HON JASON CLARE MP 
MINISTER FOR EDUCATION 

THE HON BEN CARROLL MP 
DEPUTY PREMIER 
STATE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION 

SENATOR THE HON ANTHONY CHISHOLM 
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR EDUCATION 

MARTHA HAYLETT MP 
MEMBER FOR RIPON 

SENATOR JANA STEWART 
SENATOR FOR VICTORIA 

 

JACINTA ERMACORA MP
MEMBER FOR WESTERN VICTORIA

The latest round of the Albanese Government’s Schools Upgrade Fund will deliver around $48 million in vital infrastructure projects for Victorian public schools. 

 

Under Round 2 of the Schools Upgrade Fund, 67 public schools across Victoria will each benefit from funding of at least $250,000 to build or upgrade infrastructure.  

 

The successful projects include upgrading food tech and home economics classrooms, installing new playground equipment and resurfacing and upgrading sporting facilities. 

 

Public schools with the greatest need have been prioritised, including schools with high numbers of students from a low-socio economic background, First Nations Students, and students with disability. 

 

Public schools which haven’t received significant capital funding in the last two years were also prioritised.  

Round 2 was open to all public schools and applications closed in February.  

 

Schools submitted their projects to their relevant state and territory education departments which made recommendations to the Australian Government. 

 

More information on the Schools Upgrade Fund is available at http://www.education.gov.au/schools-upgrade-fund  

 

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart: 

 

“The Albanese Labor Government’s Schools Upgrade Fund is making a real difference to schools, teachers and students across regional and rural Victoria, like the ones I grew up around. 

 

“Whether it is funding to build new classrooms or upgrade playgrounds, Labor is investing in a better and fairer education system so teachers and students in the country can enjoy the same facilities as those in our capital cities.” 

 

Quotes attributable to Victorian Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett: 

 

"I am delighted to see that Tarnagulla Primary School will benefit from the Albanese Government's Schools Upgrade Fund. This will ensure pupils can enjoy a new playground with improved drainage. 

 

"Significant infrastructure investment in our region has a lasting impact. These upgrades will benefit our region's families and broader communities for many years to come." 

 

Quotes attributable to Victorian Member for Western Victoria, Jacinta Ermacora: 

 

“Outer regional communities deserve quality education. All children should have the opportunity to get that. The funding will deliver upgrades to schools that need it the most.  

 

This is a fantastic outcome for Victorian schools and shows Labors dedication both Federally and state to deliver the best education to our children.” 

 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare: 

 

“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on. 

 

“From upgrading art rooms and tech rooms to new outdoor equipment and replacing demountables, this funding will deliver upgrades to public schools that need it the most.  

 

“This is another important step in building a better and fairer education system.”  

 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education Senator Anthony Chisholm: 

 

“Our schools deserve great infrastructure and the latest equipment to help students achieve their best – no matter where they live, or what their background may be. 

 

“To continue to be a smart and innovative nation, we need to ensure that all Australians have the same opportunities and access to a supportive learning environment.