National

Non-govt Vic schools promised $717m boost

By AAP Newswire

Oct 25, 2022

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews — Non-government schools are included in Premier Daniel Andrews' education pitch, with $717m on offer. -AAP Image

Victoria's Catholic and independent school sector is being wooed by Labor with a $717 million funding package.

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Premier Daniel Andrews has promised the cash for low-fee Catholic and independent schools if his government secures a third term next month.

Thirty per cent of Victorian children attend non-government schools across the state.

"Choice is very important," Mr Andrews told reporters at Sunbury's Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School on Tuesday.

The $717 million package includes $450 million to build and upgrade Catholic and independent schools across the state.

At least 70 per cent of the funding will be directed to Catholic schools, in line with its share of students.

If re-elected, the Andrews government plans to work with both school sectors to identify projects but an initial list of five new schools and 13 upgraded facilities have been earmarked by the state's Catholic education commission.

Another $250 million would be spent on 60 new and upgraded kindergartens at adjoining non-government schools, along with $17 million to expand the state's free school dental van program.

It comes hot on the heels of Labor on Monday committing almost $1.6 billion to build and upgrade government schools and kindergartens if re-elected on November 26.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press