By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE State Opposition will spend $5 million on upgrading Hampton Park Primary School if successful in the November election.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews and Shadow Education Minister James Merlino joined Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley in visiting the school on Monday to announce the $5 million commitment, which would be spent on upgrading the school office, toilets, staff facilities, and art, library and computer rooms.
“It is only fair and right that the high quality of the teaching and learning at Hampton Park Primary School takes place in the very best, modern facilities,” Ms Graley said.
“I am really pleased that with the election of a Labor Government, the kids in Hampton Park will get the very best school facilities and education opportunities that they rightly deserve. It is a great day.”
The pledge came on the same day the Opposition promised to spend $1 million on a new soccer pitch and facilities at Gleneagles Secondary College in Endeavour Hills.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan welcomed the funding pledge, which will see the money flow into the school should Labor be successful at the November poll.
“Outdoor activity is part of a modern, healthy school curriculum and improved outdoor areas make schools safer and enjoyable for kids,” Mr Donnellan said.
“The Liberals promised new change rooms in 2010, but failed to provide any funding in four successive budgets.
“Labor is determined to see this funding delivered and we will ensure Gleneagles gets the soccer pitch it needs.”
Education Minister Martin Dixon threw cold water on Labor’s education promises for the Casey region.
“Since 2011 the Victorian Coalition Government has invested $1.1 billion in school infrastructure, including four new schools in the Cranbourne/Pakenham area and a $940,000 capital grant for Cranbourne West Primary School to upgrade their facilities,” Mr Dixon said.
“By comparison, Labor’s legacy is riddled with broken promises, hundreds of millions of dollars of waste and debt, and an inability to manage the state’s budget.
“Labor’s so-called Victorian Schools Plan left us a $420 million school maintenance backlog, which we are now having to fix.”
