That promise is that a Federal Labor Government would deliver $440 million to schools for better ventilation, building upgrades, and mental health support, as part of a new plan to help Australian kids bounce back after COVID-19.
With schools reopening this week some parents are worried about sending their kids back to the classroom.
Delays getting a COVID-19 vaccine for young people, and a shortage of rapid antigen tests, means students may be more exposed than they should be returning to class.
Under the election promise schools in Indi will be able to access grants from a Local Schools Upgrade Fund to improve air quality with measures such as better ventilation, building more outdoor classrooms, replacing boarded-up windows and doors and buying air purifiers.
Funding will be available for other much-needed school upgrades as well.
Ms Davis said Labor would also provide schools with extra funding to get children’s mental health and wellbeing back on track with a Student Wellbeing Boost.
Adding that this will mean more school counsellors and psychologists, and extra funding for camps, excursions, as well as sporting and social activities that improve kids’ wellbeing.
“The past two years have been tough for families in Indi,” Ms David said.
“Kids have missed out on activities and experiences, and many are struggling with their mental wellbeing.
“Labor doesn’t want any Australian child held back because of the pandemic.
“Our plan will help make sure our schools are safe places for kids to learn and our investment in mental health and school upgrades will make sure every kid can get back on track and benefit from a world-class education.
“This is something that Scott Morrison should have been planning for months, but we’ve heard nothing from him about a plan for keep our kids COVID-safe at school.
“In fact, the only government we’ve heard from so far is the Victorian Government.”
This funding comes on top of Labor’s other plans for education including 20,000 extra university places and 465,000 free TAFE places, and making early learning cheaper for working families.