The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria says the state’s major political parties have recognised the value of Catholic education, with Labor and the Coalition making election pledges to build and upgrade schools. Source: MACS.
CECV executive director Jim Miles said the Labor Government’s commitment on Monday to allocate $717 million for non-government schools and kindergartens would benefit more than 211,000 students and their families across 500 local communities.
“This is good news for thousands of families who choose a high-quality education and faith-based learning environment for their children,” Mr Miles said.
The $450 million towards school capital and infrastructure works would see an initial five new schools built in growing suburbs across Melbourne’s north and west and expanded capacity at 13 others.
Mr Miles said there are many more Catholic primary and secondary schools that require access to funding so they can upgrade their existing and ageing buildings.
He also praised Labor’s commitment to a $17 million expansion of the Smile Squad dental program, which he said was “long overdue at a time where cost of living remains high for many Catholic families”.
Earlier this month, the Liberal Opposition pledged a $700 million investment over four years for non-government schools.
“We look forward to unpacking the details of these commitments in the coming weeks and what this looks like for the growing number of schools in our sector which all deserve facilities that are fit for purpose,” Mr Miles said.
FULL STORY
Catholic students to benefit from a re-elected Labor Government (MACS)
Catholic schools welcome funding commitment by Guy-led opposition (MACS)
