EDUCATION FUNDING

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:07): My question is to the Minister for Education. Does the minister support the Premier's funding to the Puglia region, including the teacher exchange program, at the same time the minister has to cut school funding; and did he make representations to the Premier or the Treasurer to cut funding to the Puglia region ahead of other education cuts?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Education, Minister for Early Childhood Development) (15:08): I have some news for the member for MacKillop: we received an extra $203 million in the education budget—$203 million. Count them! This is this myth that has been perpetrated by those opposite—

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: —that there has been a cut to the education budget. So, I am incredibly proud of the education budget and the budget generally—it has delivered. Can I say to those opposite that they have been going around peddling misinformation about the budget. It is beginning to dawn on people that the public education system—

Ms Chapman: Is a mess!

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Rotten to the core from those opposite.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I know that you hate public education, but there is a growing view that the investments that are being made in public education are resonating in the community, and that is what you know you have to conquer. You know you have to drag that down because it is gaining traction. People are beginning to understand that this government's support of public education is working. We have seen a 16-year high in school retention—almost 80 per cent. Almost 80 per cent of students are now being retained in our high schools—a massive vote of confidence in our public education system, aided and assisted by this year's budget—an additional $203 million into our education system.