Dixon All Smiles But Delivers No Money For Ballarat Schools

Education Minister Martin Dixon’s visit to Ballarat today may be his last for a while with the Baillieu Government failing to invest a single dollar in any Ballarat school during its first 14 months in office.

Mr Dixon today visited Mt Clear College to open new facilities that were funded and built by Labor.

Shadow Minister for Education James Merlino said that while Mr Dixon was happy to open projects funded by the previous Labor Government, he needed to outline his own Government’s plan for investing in Ballarat schools.

“It seems Mr Dixon’s primary role as Education Minister during the past 14 months has been to open new schools Labor built or cut ribbons at renovations that Labor funded,” Mr Merlino said.

“Mt Clear College’s Earth Education Centre is a fantastic new facility that will provide great opportunities for students.

“While opening projects are important, Mr Dixon needs to start focusing on the next step in supporting schools in Ballarat.

“When it comes to funding schools, the only action Ted Baillieu has taken is to slash nearly $500 million from the education budget.”

Member for Ballarat East Geoff Howard said it was disappointing that the Education Minister travelled to Ballarat without a plan to invest and improve Ballarat’s public schools.

“The Baillieu Government has ignored the needs of school children and teachers in Ballarat,” Mr Howard said.

“Eventually, Mr Dixon’s tour of schools upgraded by Labor will come to an end and unless he draws up a plan and matches it with funding in the budget, families living in Ballarat will pay the price.

“With this year’s budget just three months away, Mr Dixon should do all he can to ensure Ballarat is not forgotten.”

“The lack of investment in local schools clearly demonstrates that Ballarat simply doesn’t make Mr Baillieu’s list of priorities.”