Kate Hook believes in an education system that is fully funded, inclusive, and accessible at every stage of life. From early learning to public schools and tertiary education, she is committed to removing barriers, investing in resources, and ensuring that every student—no matter where they live—has the opportunity to thrive.
1. Public Schools: Prioritising Fair Funding and Future-Ready Learning
Public Schools Must Come First
Public schools educate the majority of Australian children, including those with disabilities, learning challenges, and complex needs. Yet, they continue to be underfunded while many private schools receive both high fees and government subsidies. Kate Hook is committed to ensuring public schools are fully funded first, providing:
- 100% of the School Resourcing Standard (SRS) funding as soon as possible—not in 2034.
- Essential programs such as music, sport, disability support, and extracurricular activities, ensuring all students receive a well-rounded education.
- Stronger support for regional schools, so families are not forced to send their children away due to a lack of local resources.
Climate-Resilient Schools: A Smarter Investment
Schools in Calare are facing rising temperatures, outdated infrastructure, and extreme weather events. To create safe and sustainable learning environments, Kate will push for:
- Electrification of school buildings, phasing out costly and polluting gas heating.
- Solar panels on all suitable public school rooftops, cutting energy costs and reinvesting savings into student resources.
- Reliable heating and cooling in classrooms, ensuring students can focus on learning.
- Tree planting programs and natural shade solutions, improving air quality and reducing heat stress.
- EV chargers in public schools, supporting a clean energy transition for school staff and communities.
A Fair Go for Public Schools
Public schools should be the first choice for families—not a last resort due to underfunding. Kate Hook will work tirelessly to ensure public schools in Calare are fully resourced, climate-ready, and set up for success.
2. Tertiary Education: Breaking Barriers for Regional Students
Fair Financial Support for Regional Students
Many students in regional areas face financial hardship when pursuing higher education, particularly those who must relocate. Kate will advocate for:
- Lowering the age of independence for financial support, so students living away from home can access Youth Allowance earlier.
- Reforming parental income tests, ensuring middle-income families are not unfairly excluded from financial assistance.
- Improving access to financial support information, making it easier for students and families to plan for university.
Support for Unpaid Practical Placements
Health and essential services students must complete unpaid placements, creating financial strain and workforce shortages. Kate will push for:
- Placement support payments for students in mandatory unpaid placements.
- Regional placement grants, covering travel, accommodation, and living costs for students required to relocate.
- Development of paid placement models in critical workforce areas such as nursing, aged care, and allied health.
Strengthening Regional Education Pathways
Kate is committed to ensuring students can study, train, and build careers locally by:
- Expanding regional university and training options, reducing the need for students to relocate.
- Increasing local placement opportunities, partnering with hospitals, businesses, and universities to keep students in regional areas.
- Encouraging regional workforce retention, ensuring graduates stay in or return to regional communities.
A Stronger Future for Regional Students
By removing financial barriers, improving support for placements, and expanding local education opportunities, we can help more students complete their studies and strengthen Calare’s future workforce.
3. Childcare: Accessible, Affordable, and Recognised as Essential
Early Learning as a Core Part of the Education System
Early childhood education is the foundation for lifelong success, yet it remains treated as a service rather than an essential part of education. Kate will advocate for:
- Universal access to early learning, ensuring all children can benefit regardless of their parents’ employment status.
- Increased government investment, making childcare genuinely affordable for all families, not just those on low incomes.
- Regional funding models, ensuring rural and remote communities have the same access to quality childcare as metropolitan areas.
Ending the Childcare Shortage in Regional Areas
Many families in Calare struggle to access early learning due to a shortage of places. Kate will push for:
- Urgent expansion of early learning centres in areas where demand exceeds supply.
- Support for community-based childcare solutions, ensuring families in rural areas have long-term, reliable childcare options.
- Better planning rules and incentives, helping local governments and businesses establish childcare services in under-serviced areas.
Fair Pay and Support for Early Childhood Educators
The early childhood sector is in crisis, with low wages and high workloads driving skilled educators away. Kate will fight for:
- Fair wages and better conditions, ensuring early educators are valued for their crucial work.
- National workforce strategies, recruiting and retaining early educators, particularly in regional areas.
- Career pathways and professional development, allowing educators to build sustainable careers while supporting children’s development.
Inclusion and Accessibility for Every Child
Every child deserves quality early education, including those with additional needs. Kate will work to:
- Increase funding for early intervention programs, ensuring children with disabilities receive the support they need.
- Improve inclusivity in early learning services, ensuring culturally appropriate education for diverse communities, including First Nations and migrant families.
A Future Where Every Child Thrives
Investing in early childhood education benefits families, strengthens the workforce, and boosts the economy. Kate Hook will work tirelessly to ensure every child in Calare gets the best start in life.