Students, teachers and parents in Mining and Pastoral communities are set to benefit from The Nationals’ plan to invest more than $158 million to develop education and upgrade school infrastructure at schools across regional WA.
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC said the plan would greatly improve outcomes for regional and remote students throughout the Mining and Pastoral Region.
“The Nationals understand that a quality education lays the foundation for opportunity and success,” Mr Grills said.
“All children, no matter where they live, should have access to a quality education.
“Attending a regional school, even a smaller regional school, should not hinder a student’s ability to access a quality education.”
Mr Grills recognised there was no one-size-fits-all approach to the delivery of education in regional schools.
“This is why we have outlined a plan for regional education to ensure country children have the infrastructure, technology and support to reach their full potential at school.”
The Nationals’ education policy will invest $158.4 million into:
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$100 million to Regional Education Development
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$50 million to ICT Capacity Building
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$8.4 million to developing a Parents and Citizens Association Fund
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Deliver greater flexibility in accessing the Boarding Away from Home Allowance (BAHA) and Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) funding
Mr Grills said the policy would be funded by The Nationals’ plan to increase the special lease rental paid by big miners from 25 cents per tonne to $5/t.
“The Nationals are the only party solely dedicated to regional WA and we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing regional students, families and schools,” he said.
To find out more about The Nationals’ plan for regional education please visit: www.nationalswa.com/policies.
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au.
