An LNP Government will improve student welfare and provide extra support services in schools to take the pressure off hard-working teachers and parents.
Party leader Deb Frecklington today announced an LNP Government would invest $15m to expand chaplaincy services to an additional 240 state schools and a further $5m to support school-based anti-bullying initiatives.

Around a quarter of Queensland’s state schools have no chaplaincy service and bullying remains a major problem in many schools, Ms Frecklington said.
“One of the big challenges for teachers is that they often become part-time counsellors, nurses and carers, when their primary job is teaching,” Ms Frecklington.

“School chaplains take pressure of our teachers and give children and young people valuable support and guidance – which is why they are so popular with schools and parents.

“This year many school fund-raising activities have been prevented by coronavirus, so the LNP will step up to ensure these important activities continue and spread to more schools.”

Ms Frecklington said the anti-bullying program would provide grants of up to $10,000 to at least 500 state schools to invest in tailored anti-bullying initiatives for local schools.

Shadow Education Minister Jarrod Bleijie said an LNP Government would be focused on improving education results and ensuring every Queensland child reaches their full potential.

The LNP’s plan for education also includes:
• A $1.05 billion commitment to hire an additional 3350 teachers and 760 teacher aides over the next four years – 1160 more teachers than Labor has pledged.
• Air-conditioning every state school classroom in Queensland.
• Decluttering the curriculum to ensure teachers and students can get back to basics, with more teaching of English, maths and science.
• Introducing phonics screening in Year 1 to boost literacy.
• Continuing the successful Independent Public Schools program.

Mr Bleijie said an LNP Government would also prioritise the provision of guidance officers for state schools, working with schools to increase access.

Guidance officers, who are professional teachers, provide advice and counselling on educational, behavioural and personal issues, as well mental health and wellbeing support.

“It’s important that schools are provided with the specialist skills and support they need to help students overcome challenges and reach their full potential,” Mr Bleijie said.

“An LNP Government will invest in education and ensure teachers and students are able to achieve the best possible education results.

“It is not acceptable that NAPLAN scores are going backwards under Labor.

“The LNP will not fail students like Labor. Our children need a secure economic future and that won’t happen without a comprehensive plan to boost education.

“The LNP’s plan will mean a better education for our kids and a secure future for Queensland.”

Monday 26 October, 2020