Education

How is this affecting our Region?

• Our local public schools are underfunded by an average of $1,850 per student annually

• Local TAFE campuses have seen funding cuts of 32% in real terms

• 42% of local families report difficulty accessing quality childcare

• Apprenticeship completions in our region have fallen by 45% over the past decade

What can be done?

• Support wiping all student debt and making university free

• Commit to cutting at least 15% of existing student debt

• Support the Free TAFE bill or comparable legislation for additional fee-free TAFE places

• Support increasing federal share of public school funding to 25% or more of the Schooling Resource Standard

• Support meaningful increase in funding for childcare subsidies beyond current legislation

What would it look like for us?

These changes would see substantial improvements with increased funding of $46 million annually to local schools, benefiting over 25,000 students.

The creation of 1,500 fee-free TAFE places would address critical skills shortages in our region, while student debt elimination for 12,000 local graduates would unleash $318 million into our local economy.

Five new childcare centres would be established in underserved areas, reducing childcare costs by an average of $8,500 per family annually.

Infrastructure upgrades at 35 local public schools would improve learning environments, while a university access centre would provide pathways for regional students.

With 250 new teaching positions created in our local schools and three specialised skills training hubs aligned with local industry needs, our education system would be better equipped to provide quality education at all levels.

Additionally, mental health support programs would be implemented in all local schools, ensuring students receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive.