A re-elected ACT Labor Government will continue our nation-leading investment in digital education, giving every public high school and college student with a free Chromebook as part of our plan for a better education for all Canberra families.
“ACT public schools were well placed to respond quickly to the impacts of COVID-19 because of the ACT Labor Government’s commitment to ensuring students have devices to support their education,” ACT Labor Leader Andrew Barr said.
“In 2016 Labor committed to doing this, and we delivered on that commitment.
We want to continue to this nation-leading investment because we have seen the benefits of providing equitable access to technology and the flexibility that it provides as we continue though the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Under a re-elected Labor Government 275 households will also be able to access free internet. This will include connection and data, as well as access points such as dongles.
To make sure that students stay safe online, ACT Labor will also fund additional eSafety supports for families and schools, such as additional resources and webinars, including a new dedicated eSafety expert.
“ACT Labor believes in providing equitable access to the tools that students need to give them equal opportunity. This ensures that irrespective of family circumstances, every student has an equal opportunity to learn wherever they are and whenever they need it,” ACT Labor Spokesperson for Education Yvette Berry said.
“ACT Labor is committed to developing capable adults who have learnt to learn, live productively in society, think, create and work in an increasingly digital future.”
Throughout this campaign, ACT Labor has been outlining our plan to provide a better education for all Canberra students.
Under an ACT Labor Government, Canberrans can expect:
- 400 additional teachers and support staff, as well as 25 new teacher librarians
- New, zero emissions schools in the Molonglo Valley, West Belconnen and two new schools in Gungahlin
- Expanded college capacity in Canberra’s North
- A major renewal of Narrabundah College
- A $99 million investment in existing schools across Canberra
- A low interest loan scheme for non-government schools to invest in solar panels and battery storage systems
- A trial of meals in schools for students that need it, and 25 new social and youth workers
- A $12 million Future of Education Equity fund to support disadvantaged families in local schools with their educational expenses
ACT Labor will also deliver one day a week of free early learning for every 3 year old in the Territory.
At this election, only ACT Labor is delivering a comprehensive, fully costed plan support public school students, teachers and school staff, and families.