SOUTH East public schools will receive a $14m boost if Labor is elected to government at the upcoming Federal election.
Mount Gambier and Grant high schools are among the biggest beneficiaries under the three year funding scheme, pocketing an extra $1.3m and $1.2m, respectively.
McDonald Park will receive a $810,000 bonus, with big sweeteners earmarked for Reidy Park ($740,000), Mount Gambier North ($580,000) and Mulga Street ($510,000).
The announcement comes as Federal Labor senate candidate Emily Gore joins Labor shadow minister Clare Scriven in the city today for community meetings and to speak to parents about the funding.
A candidate for the lower house seat of Barker has yet to be announced.
Ms Scriven said every school in the region, from Bordertown to Mount Gambier will receive a boost in funding under the pre-election pledge.
“I am delighted that Federal Labor is backing the South East by making such a large investment in our children’s education,” she said.
“Every Australian child deserves the best start in life and Australian schools should be world class.
“Labor believes that for parents to have real choice, governments have a responsibility to make sure our public schools are second to none.
“I look forward to speaking to parents, school teachers, students and community members to share this great announcement with them.”
Ms Gore said the program would be funded by closing tax loopholes for large corporations and ensuring multinational organisations “pay their fair share”.
“Scott Morrison’s record as Treasurer is three budgets of cuts to schools, all to pay for his tax handouts to the big banks and top end of town,” she said.
“Labor has different priorities – we will crackdown on multinational tax avoidance and give our kids a better future by investing in schools.”
