It was great to join with the Leader of the Opposition at Mooroolbark  East  Primary  School recently.  I  am very impressed  with  the school,  which  is  a large  primary  school  with  over  500  children.  It  is particularly  welcoming  of  students  with  additional  needs and  runs  a very successful  and innovative program.  However,  the school  has  needs. In  heavy downpours the school floods to the  extent  that  students  often  get wet while trying to  get from one point to another and  have to take their shoes and socks off. It is  not good enough. The  sports and multipurpose hall is  tiny and does not cater for the school community.

I am  proud  that  Labor  will deliver  $1 million  to the  school to  undertake drainage works, to extend the sports hall and to modernise the teaching  spaces. The news is welcomed by the school community.

This government  has halved investment  in  our schools across  Victoria. Unlike those opposite,  Labor will  not ignore the needs of our schools.  Well done  to principal  Debbie  Nelsson, school council  president Matt Henry  and the school community.