Education -
Schools
Successful and prosperous societies are
judged by the quality of their education
systems.
Victorian children deserve an education
that cultivates the highest standards.
They deserve schools that give them
priority over all other interests.
A vibrant education system is the
foundation of economic endeavour
and social harmony. Each government
is measured by its legacy to the next
generation.
School Maintenance
A Liberal Government will eliminate
Labor’s school maintenance backlog in
the first term of office.
The school maintenance backlog in Victoria was
due to be eliminated, and was reduced to $130
million, under the Kennett Government which
inherited a maintenance deficit of $670 million
from the previous Labor Government.
Under the present Labor Government, the school
maintenance backlog has nearly doubled from
$130 million to $250 million.
Our additional funding of $200 million will directly
address the maintenance requirements of every
school identified in the latest government school
maintenance audit.
A Liberal Government will also commit to
open and transparent funding for school
maintenance by regularly and publicly updating
the maintenance database, and ensuring funding
for maintenance is a direct and automatic response
to the condition of schools.
Specialist Schools
A Liberal Government will support
and foster the individual talents of
children and promote the expertise of
schools through school specialisation in
particular areas of curriculum.
A Liberal Government will allow principals to
develop specialist and selective entry programs
within mainstream government schools.
Talented students from surrounding schools
will be able to attend specialised programs
and classes in arts, music, languages, sport,
technology and any other identified areas of the
curriculum.
It is envisaged each area will develop a number
of specialist schools, creating a natural flow of
students between them. Schools will provide
a significant source of curriculum developme