Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections) (18:23): When the Minns Labor Government says it wants to ensure that every student has access to world-class public education, it means it. That is why we are rebuilding public education by investing $3.9 billion in new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney. In my electorate of Macquarie Fields, a new high school is being built in Edmondson Park. Enrolments for years 7 and 8 are now open—an exciting development. The school is set to open on day one, term 1 of 2027. It is long overdue.
The former Liberal Government ignored our growing community's infrastructure needs. Unlike the Liberals, the Minns Labor Government is investing in Western Sydney—investing in our growing communities and our children's future. The building of modern, state-of-the-art facilities will give students the learning environments they need to reach their full potential. The Government also wants a public education system defined by excellence. That is why we are embedding high-potential and gifted education offerings in every public school in New South Wales. Irrespective of their background or postcode, our public schools are setting young people up for success.
When I visit public schools in my electorate, I am reminded that the future is bright. It brings me much joy to see young people's enthusiasm for learning and aspirations for the future. Recently I was delighted to visit Casula High School in my electorate and meet with the principal, Scott Belgre, and a cohort of his students. Casula High School is one of 33 high schools to benefit from facility upgrades to broaden educational opportunities. That is in addition to the tailored high-potential and gifted education offerings available through the Inspire program at all New South Wales schools. The upgrade at Casula High School puts creativity and innovation front and centre. It includes a refurbished performing arts facility and music room, complete with a new professional-grade recording studio. A new laser cutting room opens the door to design thinking and digital fabrication, skills that are increasingly valuable beyond the classroom. All works remain on track for completion in 2028.
This investment in public education is inspiring a new generation of learners, innovators and problem‑solvers. James Meehan High School in Macquarie Fields is also receiving facility upgrades as part of the high-potential and gifted education program. That includes a new cafe facility, an upgrade to technological and applied studies spaces, an upgrade to STEM facilities and enhancements to the school entrance. The upgrades will complement the school's innovative Community of Schools FlexiHub. The FlexiHub connects students and families from James Meehan High School, Curran Public School and Guise Public School with a variety of services. I have visited the FlexiHub on a number of occasions and can attest to its impact in the local community, helping young people in Macquarie Fields reach their full potential. It is a great reminder of the passionate teachers at the heart of our local public schools.
For instance, innovative teaching practice can be attributed to Ingleburn High School's latest achievements. An analysis of NAPLAN results showed that Ingleburn High School recorded the largest growth in literacy scores among similarly advantaged institutions. That has largely been achieved by the school's explicit direct instruction framework, which it adapted in 2022 from a DataWORKS program in the United States. Dividing lessons into small intervals resulted in big academic improvements. It is an excellent achievement, and I congratulate principal Rebecca Forbes, staff and students on that wonderful result.
Research has demonstrated that education in the early years plays a key role in a child's development. That is why the Government is investing $769 million to deliver 100 new public preschools co-located with public primary schools across the State. That is the largest investment in public preschools in New South Wales history. Work is currently underway to deliver two new public preschools in my electorate. Curran Public Preschool and Sackville Street Public Preschool will enable more children to access high-quality, fee-free learning close to home. The convenience of one drop-off and pick-off is a game changer for local families.
The Minns Labor Government's record investment in public education is a commitment to our children's future. The core principle underlining that investment is excellence in every public school for every student across the State, inspiring a new generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers. Make no mistake: The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to rebuilding public education to the world-leading standards that families deserve. Our future is indeed bright.
