Education

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:45): I have had the great honour and great responsibility of recently being appointed as shadow education minister, a role that I am grateful to have the opportunity to perform and also to learn from our former education minister and former shadow education minister John Gardner, who did an exceptional job within this portfolio. His passion for improvements in literacy and numeracy is a legacy that I will continue advocating for.

Education is the foundation of our future. It shapes our children, our communities and, ultimately, the success of South Australia. The focus of education should be on strong literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills. Our curriculum has become wide and, at times, lacks depth. We need to remove unnecessary elements from the curriculum with a focus on the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. These are the building blocks for success, and whilst not every child's strong suit is numeracy and literacy, the problem-solving skills that are learnt in this process are invaluable.

One area that is becoming increasingly concerning is that the academic results of boys are declining. The root cause of the decline varies for each boy, but it must be addressed. South Australia needs targeted strategies that engage boys in education, ensuring they remain focused, motivated and equipped for their future. For girls, we continue to see many of the same obstacles they have faced for decades. Whilst girls can often be top performers academically, many face wellbeing issues stemming from bullying and anxiety that contribute to attendance issues and issues staying focused in the classroom, many issues that we have seen in the media this week.

Our teachers are the backbone of the education system. The best teachers should be valued and given permanency where possible. Endless contracts are unacceptable. There must also be accountability to ensure every child is receiving quality education. For those who no longer wish to teach, support must be provided to transition into other careers but also provide support for avenues to help teachers who have left the profession and wish to return; to ask questions on why they have left, and to support them if they wish to return. We have an extreme teacher shortage crisis, and this must be addressed by this government.

The changes to the NDIS will result in foundational support services being provided in schools. The government must ensure this change does not further overload teachers with additional administrative burdens. Support services for children are vital but must not come at the expense of teachers or impact on students' educational outcomes or wellbeing. A teacher's focus should be on teaching, not on endless paperwork.

Mental health challenges among young people are on the rise. Schools need access to strong support services to ensure students are not just academically prepared but emotionally resilient. Investing in these services is crucial to ensuring our children can cope with the pressures of modern life.

But education is not just about academics, it is about preparing students for the real world. Financial literacy, job readiness and life skills must be at the heart of the curriculum. Young South Australians should leave school with relevant practical skills like knowing how to budget, how to manage debt and how to navigate the workforce. Education should open doors, not close them.

Every young person in South Australia, regardless of background, has a right to access meaningful opportunities, whether that be university, trades or direct pathways into employment. Our education system should equip students with the confidence, skills and knowledge to build successful futures.

Cost of living is a huge issue for parents and should not be a barrier for obtaining an education. Parents deserve support and guidance to help their children thrive. Our education system in South Australia should always focus on involving parents, supporting teachers and giving students the foundation they need to succeed. Focusing on the basics, ensuring accountability and prioritising real-world skills will ensure we have an education system that truly serves our children and our future. South Australia needs an education system that works not just for today but for generations to come.