Three years ago, the Minns Labor Government was elected with a clear commitment: rebuild public education after more than a decade of Liberal and National neglect.
Last week, students and staff across New South Wales returned to schools that are stronger, safer and better resourced because that promise is being honoured.
As a mother of three school-aged children, I know firsthand how much families value safe, welcoming schools, quality teaching and classrooms where children can thrive.
Over the Easter break alone, more than $103 million was invested in upgrades and maintenance at public schools across the state — from roof repairs and accessibility improvements to refreshed classrooms, new flooring and upgraded bathrooms. These are not glamorous headlines, but they matter deeply to school communities.
Labor has also backed public education with a record $9 billion investment in new and upgraded schools, delivering 2,600 new and improved classrooms, 19 new public high schools, 20 new public primary schools, 100 new public preschools and more than 100 major school upgrades.
Just as importantly, teacher vacancies have fallen to a 12-year low, more than 16,000 temporary teachers and school support staff have been made permanent, and teachers have received the largest pay rise in a generation.
These are practical reforms making a real difference in classrooms right now.
Public education should never be taken for granted. Progress can be reversed as quickly as it was delayed.
With the next state election approaching, families should remember which party is investing in public schools — and which parties left them behind.
Kate McGrath
Senior Vice-President
Tamworth Branch, Australian Labor Party
Gunnedah