Visit of Parliamentary Secretary

Steve Herbert, the Parliamentary Secretary for Education in Victoria, called to see me on Thursday last after school; and on my invitation, attended the Zone Principals’ Meeting the next day. We got chatting on the Thursday evening and he invited me to a meal with himself and Lisa that night, to continue the conversation. I had a great night and have been invited to Melbourne to stay with them in July. I am looking forward to catching up with them then. He is passionate about education and very interested in the Exchange Scheme. He had visited DES two years ago with permission from the Premier, to sign a Bi-Lateral Agreement. It did not happen but last year when I was trying to get the same signed, his visit had prepared the way. If the Exchange is to be continued beyond this pilot, it will have to happen at a political level, especially as there will be funding issues. I have been trying to get as many articles as possible printed here to support the case and having someone like Steve behind the scheme will be a great help. Also, there are issues here with the funding of Catholic Schools and the principals here were able to lobby strongly.