Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (14:10) 

This year students in my electorate of Hunter were part of the Raise Our Voice campaign. Today I want to read a speech from 14-year-old Jack. He said:

I study in a school that has no air conditioning or heating.

This effects mine and others ability to learn and concentrate within the classroom.

This is due to the under funding of schools in NSW.

One of the most important things that the government can provide is a quality learning environment.

This cannot be achieved when you're sitting in a hot humid classroom or freezing cold one.

One single private school spent more money on a new pool and upgrades to their drama and fitness facilities than the government spent on public school funding that year.

Private schools are given more of tax payers money than public schools even though they need this money more as they are non for profit and don't make money any other way.

I am proposing that the government supply public schools with the appropriate air conditioning and heating systems and to eliminate all private school funding as they make their own money off the people who attend.

In doing this it should provide young Australians in public schools with a quality and comfortable learning environment.

Thank you, Jack. There is nothing more important than a quality education. Keep up the good work, buddy, Cheers.