NSW Labor is continuing with its plan to deliver the school infrastructure that Western Sydney needs with a $6 million commitment to upgrade Dundas public school, that will replace the demountable classrooms with permanent facilities.
The upgrades will accommodate 350 students.
Figures obtained from the Department of Education showed Dundas Public School was 50 per cent (or 350 students) over its enrolment capacity last year.
As a consequence, students were forced to cram into six demountable classrooms.
After 12 years of Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals, Western Sydney families have been abandoned. They just don’t get it.
Eight out of the 10 biggest enrolment surges are in Greater Western Sydney schools, some of which were only opened one or two years ago.
Nine out of the 10 biggest schools are over their enrolment cap are in Greater Western Sydney.
Meanwhile, the latest NSW budget shows that the Perrottet Government under-delivered on 113 school infrastructure projects – spending $1.26 billion less than was promised in the 2021-22 budget.
The pressure on the school will only increase with the Paramatta Local Government Area (LGA) forecast to grow by 127,000 people by 2041.
This comes on the back of news that there is more development planned for Dundas.
Alarmingly 30.1 per cent of teachers at the school were also casual or temporary.
This is part of NSW Labor’s plan to deliver new and upgraded schools in growing areas across New South Wales.
There’s a clear choice at the next election when it comes to education in New South Wales.
More of the same chronic teacher shortages, underfunding of schools and under delivering of school infrastructure under Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals.
Or Labor’s plan for a fresh start in education, which includes:
- Converting 10,000 casual teachers to permanent positions to reduce the reliance on temporary teachers;
- Cutting admin hours for teachers by 5 hours per week;
- Banning the use of mobile phones in all NSW public schools to reduce distraction, cyberbullying and improve education outcomes;
- Ending the failed overseas recruitment program and redirecting resources towards recruiting NSW teaching students into schools;
- Expanding co-ed school access for all families so every parent has the choice of where to send their children; and
- Delivering more new and upgraded schools in growing areas across New South Wales.
Quotes attributable to Chris Minns MP, NSW Labor Leader:
“Dundas Public School is bursting at the seams with students forced to cram into demountable classrooms.
“But it’s the same story across Western Sydney. It’s why NSW Labor is committed to delivering these vital upgrades.
“My dad was a primary school teacher. I know how important good public education is. But it starts with having enough classrooms, proper class sizes and passionate teachers.”
“It is important all students throughout the state have access to classrooms that are conducive to learning.”
Quotes attributable to Prue Car MP, NSW Labor Deputy Leader and Shadow Education Minister:
“NSW Labor want to create learning environments in schools where students, teachers and staff can all thrive.
“That starts by providing upgrades to schools like Dundas Public School and ensuring teachers have greater job security.”
Quotes attributable to Donna David, NSW Labor Parramatta candidate:
“An investment in our schools, students and teachers, is an investment in our state’s future.
“These upgrades are desperately needed and will certainly be welcomed by the tight-knit community in Dundas.”
CHRIS MINNS MP
NSW LABOR LEADER
PRUE CAR MP
NSW LABOR DEPUTY LEADER
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION
DONNA DAVIS
NSW LABOR CANDIDATE FOR PARRAMATTA
