Government ‘shifting blame’: MP

BASS MP Ken Smith has hit back at claims the former Kennett Government was responsible for “seven years of neglect” in local schools.
Mr Smith also dismissed as nonsense allegations his criticisms of the State Government’s performance on funding primary schools were hypocritical.
The Gazette last week reported concerns about cramped conditions and rundown classrooms at Kooweerup Primary School.
Staff and parents at Kooweerup have added their voice to calls for urgent upgrades at several schools in the Cardinia Shire.
A spokesperson for Education Minister Lynne Kosky said the State Government was committed to rebuilding the education system.
Mr Smith said the State Government was trying to shift the blame.
“The Bracks Labor Government, which makes out it is looking after the people of Victoria, is leaving schools like Kooweerup in dire need of help and hoping that the local communities will pick up the Government’s slack,” Mr Smith said.
“In fact, the local Kooweerup community has done an outstanding job supporting their school and don’t deserve to be totally frustrated by a Labor government which is ignoring the conditions at the school.
“We simply will not let this government get away with treating the families of the Bass electorate like secondclass citizens and affecting the standard of education our children deserve, particularly at Kooweerup, Bunyip, Clyde, Nar Nar Goon and Garfield,” Mr Smith said.