[Jade Benham] Benham calls out funding divide as regional students miss out

The Nationals' Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has criticised the Allan Labor Government for claiming "nation-leading" investment in education while regional schools continue to fall behind.

Speaking in Parliament, Ms Benham said the government's self-congratulation bears little resemblance to the reality facing students and families in Mildura and across North-West Victoria.

"If this government wants us to commend its so-called nation-leading investment, then the question is: nation-leading compared to which nation?" Ms Benham said.

"In regional communities like ours, schools are operating in buildings that are decades past their prime, master plans remain undelivered, and basic infrastructure upgrades are either delayed or priced beyond reason."

Ms Benham highlighted long-standing infrastructure concerns at numerous schools across the Mildura electorate, including deteriorating buildings, lack of shade, unsafe recreational facilities, and delayed upgrades.

She also raised the case of a local Year 7 student with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD who remains unable to secure a place in a Mildura government school four weeks into the school year.

"No family should be left wondering whether they have to leave our region to access education, and no student should be denied a place because of government failures," Ms Benham said. "Every student deserves to learn safely, thrive in their school environment, and have a fair chance at their future.

"Labor can't manage money, can't manage education, and regional Victorians are paying the price."

Media contact:Alana McGregor (03) 5021 [email protected]