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| Opposition Leader Luke Foley |
NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley has joined Hunter MPs in calling on the Berejiklian government to adequately fund schools across the region.
During a visit to Maitland Grossman High School on Thursday, Mr Foley also addressed to growing concerns about school overcrowding in the region.
“Across the region, schools are overcrowded and playgrounds are full of demountable classrooms,” he said.
The Opposition leader also committed Labor to building new schools in Maitland and Medowie if it is elected in 2019.
He identified the issue isn’t isolated to just Maitland.
“This is a problem right across the Hunter, and I have to say, Ms Berejiklian in her six years senior minister and treasurer in the government before becoming premier last week has always had a very Sydney-centric focus,” he said.
“We’re in the middle of an unprecedented property boom and governments racking in stamp duty taxes, three-quarters of a million dollars last month alone, $10 billion a year in tax revenue.
“If we can’t build the new schools for our kids now, whenever can we?
“Let’s not squander the proceeds of a boom.”
The school maintenance backlog drew particular focus by Mr Foley, who called on Gladys Berejiklian to visit the Hunter as soon as possible.
“A $105 million school maintenance backlog across the Hunter that’s an extraordinary figure,” he said.
“My message to the Premier: get up here quick smart.”
Shadow minister for the Hunter and Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said the increased backlog is for essential items.
“The maintenance backlog in the Hunter is not for luxury items in school, it’s for basic things like heaters and fans that don’t work,” she said.
“Hunter teachers and students need well-maintained facilities to create the best learning environments.”
Premier Berejiklian is a former minister for the Hunter and succeeded Mike Baird after his shock resignation.
Mr Baird was an advocate for the region, visiting Newcastle on a number of occasions, and campaigning for the light rail which is set to stretch along Hunter Street.
