Council
8 May, 2026
Britnell slams education package
MEMBER for South West Coast Roma Britnell has slammed the state government’s education package as presenting basic responsibility as a major achievement.
Ms Britnell said the only reason routine repairs and upgrades require a flashy pre-election announcement was because essential maintenance had been neglected for years, allowing problems to build until they cannot longer be ignored.
She also claimed the state government was directing money into schools in Melbourne’s growth corridors and portable classrooms elsewhere, while struggling schools in the south west region continue to operate in ageing, run-down and below-standard facilities.
Ms Britnell said the Budget proved the state government cared more about grabbing headlines while established regional communities were expected to make do with crumbling classrooms and neglected facilities.
“Once again, regional families have been brushed aside by a city-centric Labor Government obsessed with headlines instead of fairness,” she said.
“Students in Warrnambool and Koroit deserve the same safe, modern classrooms as every other child in Victoria,” she said.
“Education funding must be driven by need, not postcode or political convenience.”
Ms Britnell said funding should be prioritised based on which schools are in the worst condition, not to the projects which generate the biggest political headline.
She said every child deserved access to safe, modern and fit-for-purpose learning environments, regardless of where they live, which includes south west students who deserve the same opportunities as children in Melbourne’s suburbs.
“It is unacceptable that schools in poor condition across south west Victoria have been passed over while the government congratulates itself with flashy Budget announcements,” Ms Britnell said.
“I will keep fighting until our local schools get the funding, upgrades and respect our students, teachers and families deserve.
“When a school is officially rated poor, the response should be immediate action, not excuses, delays and empty promises.
“Schools in the worst condition should be first in line for upgrades, with funding prioritised to those most urgently needing repair.
“That’s just common sense.”
