$210 million

OVER SIX YEARS

SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

to support the redevelopment and upgrades across 37 public school sites and facilities, including:

  • $87 million for the redevelopment of Mount Barker High School, adding to the existing $9 million to upgrade classrooms, workshops, food and technology facilities and outdoor sporting areas
  • $63 million to upgrade sites, classrooms and facilities across 11 schools
  • $50 million to build new gyms or halls at six schools
  • $10 million in new and upgraded inclusive education facilities, including improvements to learning and sensory spaces at 20 schools.

BETTER QUALITY EDUCATION

$65 million over six years to support programs aimed at improving student outcomes, including:

  • establishing a specialist Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway to increase the supply of specialist teachers in STEM related subjects
  • introducing early employment opportunities for student teachers in government schools
  • improving workplace safety and wellbeing for teachers and educators
  • rolling out the autism inclusion program in all government secondary schools
  • introducing a second phonics check for Year 2 students, providing an opportunity to assist kids who need support with reading and writing.

EXPANDING OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE (OSHC)

$45.5 million over four years to establish OSHC services at 68 government primary schools across the state. The total cost of $94.7 million will be partially offset by $49.2 million from Commonwealth Child Care subsidies and parental out-of-pocket (gap) fees. The expansion will create an additional 2 300 places, delivering a 20 per cent increase in capacity.

KEEPING KIDS OFF SCREENS

The government is dedicated to ensuring that kids have active and healthy lifestyles. The $76 million keeping kids off screens initiative builds on the government’s achievements since 2022, including championing the social media ban for under 16-year olds. The government will also support families to delay children’s use of smartphones through the Wait Mate program, which encourages parents to pledge to wait until at least Year 8, alongside strengthened social media protections.