By Jesse Graham
EILDON MP Cindy McLeish has called on the Victorian Government to put more funding towards Upper Yarra Secondary College in next year’s budget, with “no love” shown to the school currently.
But Education Minister James Merlino has hit back at Ms McLeish and said the previous government, run by the Liberal party, “failed to provide a single cent” for the school during its term.
Ms McLeish released a statement on Friday 14 October, calling on the Victorian Government to fund upgrades worth “several million dollars” to Upper Yarra Secondary College.
“The leadership of the school and the teachers continue to focus on the provision of a high-quality educational experience for the young people there, but it is increasingly difficult when there is no love shown by this government,” she said.
She criticised Education Minister James Merlino and said that he was aware of the school’s issues, particularly as he had campaigned at UYSC during the 2014 election campaign.
“Minister, you were also happy to visit the school during the last election campaign with your Labor candidate, so I know you have seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing this school, including the school’s immediate needs,” Ms McLeish said.
“Local students and staff deserve the best possible environment to learn and teach in. This is all the more important in a region like the Upper Yarra, which has limited job opportunities for young people.”
Ms McLeish asked for the government to add funding for the school to next year’s State Budget.
Mr Merlino told the Mail on Monday that the government would consider funding for UYSC in the next budget, but criticised the Liberal Party for its own inaction towards the school.
“Upper Yarra Secondary College is a great school that the Liberals ignored and failed to provide a single cent for during their four years in government,” he said.
“Making up for the former Coalition Government’s neglect takes time.
“We’ve already invested a record $1.8 billion in new schools and upgrades around the state, but more needs to be done and we’ll consider funding for Upper Yarra Secondary College along with all government schools as part of the budget process.”
