Quality education is essential for a thriving community and strong regional economy. For too long, Monash has been overlooked when it comes to educational investment, forcing our young people to leave the region for opportunities and worsening our workforce shortages in healthcare, trades, hospitality, and agriculture.
As your independent voice, I'll fight to ensure education is accessible right here in our community by:
Retaining & educating people in our region
- Restore a range of in-person TAFE courses in Wonthaggi - young people shouldn't have to travel to Frankston or Warragul just to get vocational training
- Dedicated federal funding for regional education hubs across Monash, ensuring courses match our local workforce needs
- Improved public transport connections between our communities and education providers
Making education affordable for all
- Reform the HECS system to reduce student debt burden, making it fairer and encouraging further education
- Strengthen apprenticeship incentives for both employers and students to address critical skills shortages
- Keeping public schooling truly free by fully funding public schools, ensuring every child gets the education they deserve regardless of postcode or family income
Supporting our educators
- Better pay and conditions for teachers to address staffing shortages in regional schools
- Reduced administrative burden so teachers can focus on teaching
Creating opportunities for all
- Subsidised extra-curricular activities for children from low-income families
- Targeted support programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds