Victoria’s regional schools are too often treated as an afterthought. Students in the bush deserve the same opportunities as students in Melbourne, yet many regional communities face teacher shortages, ageing facilities, limited subject choices and fewer pathways into vocational training and further education. Families should not have to move to Melbourne or send their children away from home simply to access a quality education. Schools should also be focused on actually teaching children, not pushing political agendas.

 

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party believes regional education needs investment that reflects the unique challenges of distance and smaller communities. We need to attract and retain quality teachers, invest in modern school facilities and technology, and expand access to vocational education, apprenticeships and practical pathways into local industries. Parents should have confidence that their children are receiving a quality education focused on literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and the skills they need for their future.

 

A child’s postcode should never determine their future. The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party will fight for properly resourced regional schools, better educational opportunities and an education system that puts students, teachers and learning ahead of political ideology. Regional Victoria deserves schools that prepare young people for life, work and further education — without forcing families to leave their communities to find those opportunities.

 

• Targeted funding increases for regional and rural Victorian Schools

• Increase programs to recruit and retain teachers in schools-Oppose the “safe schools” program, let kids be kids

• Support school camp programs, kids need outdoor education

• Improve and promote access to agricultural education, especially in metropolitan schools

• Continue to develop the VCAL program and encourage VCAL students into trade and agricultural pathways.

• Work on adding a “field to fork” portion of the curriculum so student know where food actually comes from.

• More agricultural focused TAFE in regional and rural Victoria.

• Ensure principals have the backing and resources to deal with problem students.