Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. The senator has raised a number of matters which were the subject of a report in the Australian newspaper. These are matters that are being considered in a budget context and, as such, it is not appropriate for me to comment further on them. What I can say to the senator is that the Rudd government has already announced funding for this budget for the $1 billion National Secondary School Computer Fund, giving access to a computer to every student in years 9 to 12. The Rudd government has also committed to delivering trade training centres in secondary schools, providing $500 million to the end of December and $2.5 billion over 10 years. The schools partnership program of $62.5 million is to encourage local schools to share facilities and resources. The budget will also provide $489 million for schools to install solar power.

Those are all matters that have been announced. I am able to confirm those matters because they have been announced. I am not able to confirm other speculation that has been raised through the pages of the Australian newspaper. The forthcoming budget will be an opportunity for the Rudd Labor government to install its ongoing program in terms of the education revolution. It will be an opportunity to actually see substantial improvements in the provision of education across this country for all Australians. I have no doubt that the senator who has asked this question will be only too happy to support these measures in the forthcoming budget session.