LNP shadow minister and Nanango MP address education challenges in South Burnett

Political heavyweights recently visited South Burnett schools to discuss achievements and address pressing education challenges.

Deb Frecklington and Dr Christian Rowan met with Principal Mark Freeman and Deputy Principal, Jade Wager at Nanango State High School.

In a recent visit to the South Burnett region, LNP Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, and LNP Shadow Minister for Education, Dr. Christian Rowan, turned their focus toward the needs and achievements of the local education sector.

Ms Frecklington said she wanted to highlight the “great achievements” at the schools but also discuss the challenges.

The itinerary included stops at Nanango State High School and St John’s Lutheran School in Kingaroy, as well as a meeting with teachers and Queensland Teachers Union (QTU) members.

Discussions covered issues impacting education, including student behaviour, safety for school staff, literacy and numeracy, infrastructure needs, class sizes and resources, and the health and wellbeing of both students and staff.

July 2024. Deb Frecklington and Dr Christian Rowan toured St John’s Lutheran School to see the newly opened senior school building, catching up with classes as they undertook their very first lessons in the new building.

“I truly appreciate the hard work of our teachers and school staff and the vital role they play in the education journey of our young people,” Ms Frecklington said.

Dr Rowan described the visit as productive and valuable, expressing his appreciation for the candid feedback from educators.

“It is so important to get this direct feedback about what is important for schools in the South Burnett and the policies which will support our teachers and students across the educational sector,” he said.

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington and Shadow Minister for Education, Christian Rowan met with local teachers and QTU members.

Dr Rowan highlighted the ongoing teacher workforce crisis and delays in school infrastructure projects as major concerns.

“School infrastructure project delays are crippling school buildings and classrooms across our state, particularly throughout our rural, regional and remote communities,” Dr Rowan said.

He highlighted a concerning increase in student suspensions and expulsions, alongside a significant rise in WorkCover claims

“Student suspensions and expulsions have skyrocketed by over 17 per cent since 2015, and more than half a billion dollars in WorkCover claims have now been paid to teachers and staff.”

He said the LNP is dedicated to providing better teaching resources and implementing a “zero-tolerance approach” to violence in schools.

Originally published as LNP shadow minister and Nanango MP address education challenges in South Burnett