Media Releases

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty announced today that a number of schools in the Lowan electorate will receive funding for students to volunteer in the community thanks to the Victorian Coalition Government’s $4.5 million Advance program.

“In giving your time, talents and expertise as a volunteer you receive so much more – you gain new friends and build a stronger community,” Mr Delahunty said.  “It is great to see our young people taking up the mantle of volunteering as volunteers are vital for the health and well-being of our communities.”

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith announced that more than 420 schools and 17,000 young people will be participating in the Advance program in 2012.

“Advance is a fantastic program that encourages young people to get involved in their local community and strengthens local partnerships between schools and local community organisations and services.

“The program also provides young people with practical opportunities for mentoring and gaining new skills and training whilst learning more about their local community.

“Supporting young people to volunteer has a positive and lasting effect, not only on the individual, but the whole community,” Mr Smith said.

Advance is a $4.5 million flexible school-based program offered annually in Victorian Government secondary schools. It engages and provides opportunities for young people between the ages of 14-18 to actively participate in their community through volunteering, while learning valuable transferable skills.

“Our volunteers make a valuable contribution to our communities and are the backbone of our communities.  People who volunteer not only gain personal satisfaction in helping others but also develop social networks, gain work experience and maintain existing skills.”

“The importance of volunteers cannot be underestimated and the Advance program will positive outcomes through partnering schools with local community groups,” Mr Delahunty said.

National Volunteer Week will be held from 14-20 May 2012.

For more information on the Advance program go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/advance

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN THE LOWAN ELECTORATE

Baimbridge College
Balmoral Community College
Casterton College
Dimboola Memorial Secondary College
Edenhope P-12 College
Goroke P-12 College
Hamilton Special Developmental School
Horsham College
Horsham special School
Kaniva College
Lake Bolac College
Nhill College
Rainbow Secondary College

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has commended the Horsham College which will join a number of schools across the state in hosting a community forum focused on providing parents with tips for dealing with alcohol and teenagers.
“These forums, to be held in April and May, would provide parents with important information about
Victoria’s new alcohol laws and advice about what to do if their teenager asks to drink at a party,” Mr Delahunty said.
In making the announcement Minister Dixon said parents are sometimes faced with situations where their 16 or 17-year-old asks to drink at a party, and when the parent says ‘no,’ the child says, ‘but everyone else is allowed to, why can’t I?’"
“These forums are a great way to provide parents with helpful advice about how to handle these tricky situations and how to talk to their kids about the very real dangers of alcohol consumption at a young age.”
The Minister said the forums, organised by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Australian Drug Foundation, VicHealth and the Barwon Adolescent Taskforce, built on the good work already being done by the Victorian Coalition Government to reduce alcohol-related harm to young people.
“The Coalition Government introduced laws in November making it illegal to serve alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18, unless their parents have given permission,” Mr Delahunty said.
Adults who break the new law face fines of more than $7,000, which is the same amount a licensee would be fined for selling alcohol to a minor.
Mr Delahunty said details of the law changes were also included in a series of alcohol fact sheets for parents, created by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in partnership with the Australian Drug Foundation.
The eight fact sheets provide a quick and easy guide for parents about the risks of teenage drinking and what they can do to send the right messages to their child that underage drinking can create risks and problems that may affect a young person for the rest of their life.
For updated alcohol fact sheets for parents, visit:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/programs/drugeducation/tchengagepar.htm#H2N10378

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty said Horsham can expect a graduating class of bright, well-prepared and enthusiastic Year 12 students from Horsham College this year thanks to today’s announcement the school has received an $32,500 grant to encourage students to complete secondary school.

Horsham College received the grant under the Victorian Coalition Government’s $5 million Local Solutions Year 12 Retention Fund awarded to the school as a result of its commendable proposal for retaining students through to Year 12.

The Fabulous Futures program will offer an expanded range of career and course opportunities through a Careers Expos, and encourage students to broaden their pathway aims and understand the opportunities that emerge from remaining at school longer, Mr Delahunty said.
Minister for Education Martin Dixon said while the number of metropolitan students finishing school was going up, the government was committed to ensuring the same opportunities were available to rural and regional students.

“We know when a student completes school, the likelihood of them going on to achieve, succeed and become a skilled and valued contributor to society dramatically increases,” Mr Dixon said.
“Almost nine out of 10 metropolitan students are finishing school, but nearly a third of country students are leaving school early, and these new grants are a step toward addressing this issue.”
The Local Solutions Year 12 Retention Fund was created upon advice from the Rural Education Reference Group; a cross-sectoral group established by Minister Dixon to advise the government on initiatives specifically designed to support rural and regional schools.

“I am really keen to see the success of these retention programs as they are rolled out across Victoria,” Mr Dixon said.

“It is this government’s belief that schools are the ones best placed to determine what measures will be most effective for their students and I think the community will agree as graduating students become active members of the community and valuable contributors to the local economy.”

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said that Balmoral Community College can expect a graduating class of bright, well-prepared and enthusiastic Year 12 students from Balmoral Community College this year thanks to today’s announcement the school has received an $10,350 grant to encourage students to complete secondary school.

Balmoral Community College received the grant under the Victorian Coalition Government’s $5 million Local Solutions Year 12 Retention Fund awarded to the school as a result of its commendable proposal for retaining students through to Year 12.

The program will coordinate academic group days between schools such as Edenhope College and Goroke P-12, where Year 11 / 12 students are completing similar subjects.  This program will significantly assist students from small schools in rural areas in broadening their experience and developing relationships that can be sustained through the challenging VCE years, Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Education Martin Dixon said while the number of metropolitan students finishing school was going up, the government was committed to ensuring the same opportunities were available to rural and regional students.

“We know when a student completes school, the likelihood of them going on to achieve, succeed and become a skilled and valued contributor to society dramatically increases,” Mr Dixon said.
“Almost nine out of 10 metropolitan students are finishing school, but nearly a third of country students are leaving school early, and these new grants are a step toward addressing this issue.”
The Local Solutions Year 12 Retention Fund was created upon advice from the Rural Education Reference Group; a cross-sectoral group established by Minister Dixon to advise the government on initiatives specifically designed to support rural and regional schools.
“I am really keen to see the success of these retention programs as they are rolled out across Victoria,” Mr Dixon said.

“It is this government’s belief that schools are the ones best placed to determine what measures will be most effective for their students and I think the community will agree as graduating students become active members of the community and valuable contributors to the local economy.”

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said he was delighted with the Baillieu Government’s commitment to secure Victoria’s participation in this year’s Rock Eisteddfod Challenge.

“Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government is providing sponsorship of $200,000 for the dance, drama and design spectacular,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Baillieu Government is committed to young people fully participating in the community. We are contributing $200,000 for the coming event and that's part of our $800,000 commitment over four years, which I announced in my role as Shadow Minister for Youth, before the last year’s election,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Brumby Government refused to increase funding to $200,000 for last year’s event and as a result organisers called curtains for about 7500 students.

“Through sponsoring the Victorian Rock Eisteddfod Challenge the Baillieu Government is providing an opportunity for young people to showcase their talents through dance and music-based commentary on their lives and important issues in our society.

“The Rock Eisteddfod Challenge provides fantastic opportunities for young people in western Victoria to learn organisational skills and demonstrate their skills. Most importantly, the Eisteddfod is a positive spotlight for young people,” Mr Delahunty said.

“I am delighted that our students, teachers and parents will again have the opportunity to work together rehearsing, and building sets in a 100 per cent drug and alcohol free environment.”

“Within western Victoria there is a great depth of talent and the Rock Eisteddfod provides a wonderful opportunity to nurture that talent,” Mr Delahunty said.

Victorian participants will join 300 Australian secondary schools and 25,000 students to compete across Australia. School team sizes will range from 20 to 140 students who will deliver an eight-minute performance based on a theme of their choice set to contemporary music.

For more information about the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge see www.rockchallenge.com.au

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has welcomed visits to Parliament by students from schools in the Lowan electorate.

Mr Delahunty told Parliament that there were 52 schools in the Lowan electorate and students from the Rainbow Primary School and Baimbridge College had visited Parliament.

“Last Tuesday students from Rainbow Primary School visited Parliament House. Parliamentary staff and everyone else who met these students commented on their good behaviour and on how they were great ambassadors for the school.

“I was able to spend time with them talking about parliamentary procedure and showing them my office and The Nationals party room. Parliamentary staff do a great job in showing students the key features of Parliament and answering their questions,” Mr Delahunty said.

“That work does not go unnoticed.”

Mr Delahunty said students from Hamilton's Baimbridge College visited Parliament House on Monday, and he was able to sit with them in the Legislative Assembly chamber and explain the workings of Parliament House.

“Over the past couple of months I have visited many schools in my electorate, including Kaniva College, to present leadership badges.”

“In fact I will be at the Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran School on the first day of second term to perform similar duties.

Mr Delahunty said he encouraged schools to take the opportunity to visit Parliament so students can learn about how Parliament operates and, importantly, take in the grandeur of Parliament House and its surrounds.

“As we all know, education is vital for the continuing development of Victorian students.

“The students from across the Lowan electorate are fantastic, their parents are great supporters, and they are supported by excellent school staff. Importantly, students need the opportunity to come to Parliament and take the opportunity to meet parliamentarians and staff and walk through the hallowed halls of a magnificent building which is not only my workplace but which is much admired by the many people who visit,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has congratulated western Victorian teachers in the lead up to this year’s World Teachers’ Day.

“Last week I was Principal for a Day at the Lake Bolac College and I have also had the opportunity I have the opportunity to visit the 58 schools in my electorate on a regular basis and I am always impressed by the energy and commitment of the staff in those schools,” Mr Delahunty said.

World Teacher’s Day acknowledges the many ways teachers make a difference through their teaching and commitment and celebrates teachers as a significant force in building communities.

Mr Delahunty said teachers make a difference every day whether it be in the curriculum they teach and how they teach it, through the connections they make with and for their students or by the way they encourage learning. Very often, they make a significant contribution to their local community and the wider community.

“The demands of today’s society require our children to be prepared to contribute in a rapidly changing world, one which is vastly different from when most of us attended school.

“To meet these demands we require a special kind of teacher who can provide a unique learning environment which will bring out the best in our children.

“During my travels around the Lowan electorate I consistently see such teachers and World Teachers’ Day on Friday October 29 is an opportunity for us to acknowledge these education professionals.

“I encourage everyone to regularly acknowledge those special people with whom we entrust with our children but particularly take the time to do so this World Teachers’ Day,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty this week called on the Brumby State Government to support a call by the Federal Liberal Nationals Coalition for review of the Youth Allowance criteria.

 “Students in rural and regional areas are being disadvantaged by the current criteria while the average rate of deferral to university for metropolitan students is 10 per cent compared to 33 percent for non metro students,” Mr Delahunty said.

 “A recent report by a State Parliamentary Committee titled “Inquiry into Higher Education” found that economic barriers are the main reason why fewer regional students attend University than their city counterparts.”

 Mr Delahunty said the Federal Coalition was challenging the new Parliament to make the youth allowance fairer and more equitable for all regional students.

 “The changes made by the Labor Party discriminate against rural and regional students and effectively make it more difficult for many students to achieve independent status and receive the maximum amount of government support.”

 “There is absolutely no doubt this tired and out of touch Brumby Government has supported the botched job Federal Labor has made of the youth allowance.  It is now time to review the unfair criteria to allow more of our young students to pursue a tertiary education,” Mr Delahunty said.

 The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has raised concerns about the sustainability of the Horsham Campus of the Ballarat University following the announcement that several staff have taken redundancy packages from the Ballarat University.

 

 

“I am concerned that with the sudden departure of 12 staff at the University of Ballarat Horsham Campus there will be a loss of courses which will not only disadvantage western Victorian students but has also driven down morale at the university campus,” Mr Delahunty said.

 

The State Government has implemented an uncapped demand driven training system where only students under 20 years of age or those “up-skilling” are eligible for a Government supported training position.

 

Mr Delahunty said that among other things the increased fees seriously disadvantage those from low income families seeking tertiary and further education who are reluctant to accumulate fee debts.

 

“I am also concerned that there seems to be a centralising of services.  My question is has there been a similar loss of staff from the Mt Helen Campus in Ballarat?

 

Mr Delahunty said leadership was also an issue at the campus and this current situation was distressing to many people in the Wimmera who strongly supported the establishment of a university campus.

 

“The University is not communicating or connecting with the Wimmera community.”

“The support from the Wimmera community is being whittled away and many are asking the question - Is the campus sustainable?”

 

“Education and training is vital to the continued development of the region and I sincerely hope that staffing issues can be sorted out sooner than later to alleviate any further stress placed on the students and remaining staff,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty welcomed the Federal Coalition’s commitment to amend the controversial Youth Allowance legislation to allow all students in western Victoria to achieve the independent rate under relaxed workforce participation rules.

 

The Nationals Victorian Senate Candidate Bridget McKenzie said a Federal Coalition Government would introduce interim measures where all western Victorian students would have the same rules applied in terms of workforce participation requirements for achieving the independent rate of Youth Allowance until a fair tertiary access scheme could be developed.

“Under The Nationals’ policy, we will introduce interim measures so that young people will be able to qualify for independence if they undertake a gap year and achieve the relaxed work test of approximately $19,500 over an 18 month period,” Ms McKenzie said.

 From the beginning of academic year 2011, these young people will be able to qualify for independence, where: their family home is in a location categorised under the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (AGSC) as Inner Regional Australia, Outer Regional Australia, Remote Australia or Very Remote Australia; and their parents’ income is less than $150 000 per annum.
 

“This will provide regional students with the means to pursue tertiary studies while we consult with students, teachers and parents about the best way to support regional students,” Ms McKenzie said.

The Nationals State Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has hailed the policy announcement as a ‘breakthrough for common sense’.

 

 “This is great news for students in our region,” Mr Delahunty said.

 
“Over the past year I have been inundated by calls and have tabled hundreds of signatures in State Parliament protesting against the ridiculous system imposed by the Rudd-Gillard Government,” Mr Delahunty said.

Ms McKenzie said as Education Minister, Julia Gillard introduced a scheme which meant many regional students had to work for 30 hours per week over two years to achieve the independent rate of Youth Allowance.

 

“The Gillard system is fundamentally flawed because students who live in towns like Great Western, Ararat, Koroit and Camperdown are treated differently to students in towns like Nhill, Casterton and Penshurst,” Ms McKenzie said.

 
“Under Labor’s scheme, we have students in the same classroom at Stawell forced to comply with different schemes because of lines on a map that divided parts of western Victoria into ‘inner’ regional and ‘outer’ regional. 

Ms McKenzie said she looked forward to working with students and their families to overhaul the system of student income support.

“I can’t wait to get out there and talk with communities about the best way to assist regional students overcome the very real barriers to higher education.”