I am honoured to be appointed Shadow Minister for Education by the Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton.
I look forward to building on the Coalition’s strong legacy in the education portfolio such as vital reforms to lift school standards, improve teacher education, deliver a better childcare system, and establish a new research commercialisation agenda for Australian universities.
I pay tribute to Alan Tudge for his achievements as Minister for Education and the Member for Aston, and will be continuing his very important work including supporting indigenous-focused initiatives in remote schools and an improved national curriculum which adopts a more positive, optimistic view of our nation.
In my time as a student and parent, I have experienced the full breadth of our education system – from childcare through to government, catholic and independent schools as well as tertiary education.
I was fortunate to attend Sacred Heart College Geelong from kindergarten to Year 7 before completing my secondary education at The Geelong College. In 1991, I commenced studying law at University of Technology Sydney, whilst working for the ABC, before transferring to Monash University in Melbourne where I graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons).
As a regional Victorian, I am passionate about equitable access to education and its critical importance in advancing our nation.
Australia’s future and prosperity depends on a first-class early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary education system which gives young Australians the best chance to learn, thrive and help contribute to society and our place in the world.
12 February 2023