Major investment aims to enhance educational infrastructure and student support across the state

The Victorian state government has announced a significant $2.5 billion funding boost for state schools, marking a historic investment in the education sector. This initiative, set to be rolled out over several years, is designed to improve school infrastructure, support students, and enhance educational outcomes statewide.

The funding will be used to build and upgrade school facilities, introduce more advanced technology in classrooms, and support students with additional learning needs. It is also intended to address teacher shortages and improve access to educational resources in disadvantaged areas.

Education Minister James Merlino said the investment is crucial to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to a quality education. The government also hopes this funding will ease pressure on schools, particularly those in high-demand areas.

This boost comes in response to growing calls for improved support for state schools, particularly following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has pledged that the funding will be allocated to schools based on their specific needs, with a focus on schools in underprivileged regions.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about how quickly the funding will be implemented and whether it will be enough to address long-standing issues in the state’s education system. Despite this, the funding announcement has been hailed as a step in the right direction for Victoria’s public education system.