STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms STANLEY (Werriwa—Government Whip) (13:31): Labor governments have always believed in education as the vehicle to lift living standards and improve the lives of all Australians. The Albanese government is no different, upholding Labor's traditions and record in this public policy. Who else would have been bold enough to offer hundreds of thousands of free TAFE courses, and who would have provided a discount for HECS debts for hundreds of thousands?

It was also our Minister for Education who negotiated and signed fair funding agreements with all of the states. A number of schools in my electorate are celebrating significant milestones this year. Fifty years ago the then prime minister and local member, Gough Whitlam, opened St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School at Lurnea.

In addition, my former high school—Lurnea High School—is celebrating 60 years of excellence in teaching and learning. A highlight of their celebrations will be a large function in the afternoon of 28 November, an event I wouldn't miss for all the world. Hopefully, we won't be still sitting.

Finally, and certainly not least, Miller Technology High School is also celebrating its 60th birthday. To the staff and students past and present of each of these schools—in fact, all of the schools in Werriwa—I give genuine congratulations and best wishes and thank them for what they do.