NO matter where they live, Australians should have equal opportunity to receive the education they deserve.
Our kids need to be able to access the education courses in their area.
Local training increases the likelihood that they will remain local.
We have wonderful educational institutions in Mildura, and they need support to do more. Our workforce depends on it.
This week, I met with scholarship recipients of the Australian Government’s Destination Australia Program at La Trobe University in Mildura.
As I have said many times before, local tertiary training is imperative to ensuring a strong, skilled workforce for our community – and a healthy local economy. It was so encouraging to see the joy that our students in Mildura have, pursuing their dreams through higher education.
Yesterday, I was pleased to host an education roundtable with Australia’s first Regional Education Commissioner, Fiona Nash, inviting key education contributors and leaders throughout Mallee to join.
It’s important to bring together the wealth of knowledge that is already in our region, and share ideas to ensure that we are heading in the right direction together.
The discussions had a realistic focus on the current challenges facing our education providers.
The staff shortage affecting our schools was one critical issue highlighted.
One innovative approach is to engage our Year 12 graduates on their gap years, into support roles in primary schools.
Local health, education and medical training is the basis for a tri-state training hospital here.
Of course, a local biomedicine degree at La Trobe with appropriate facilities, including a wet lab ,are essential. I will continue to fight for it.
The existing pathway to postgraduate medicine at Monash University School of Rural Health, with placements at a local hospital, gives students an opportunity to complete their education locally, thereby ensuring a sustainable health workforce.
We have good reason to be proud of the education opportunities in Mallee, but I am committed to demand more and work with all stakeholders to deliver better education outcomes and opportunities.
