Mr  J. BULL (Sunbury) — (8132) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education and concerns Sunbury College. The action I seek is for the minister to support Sunbury College in its application for the Doctors in Secondary Schools program to fund a school doctor.

Ms Thomas interjected.

Mr J. BULL — This is a great program, member for Macedon, and one that will ensure students have access to vital medical advice and health care. The program will put GPs in 100 Victorian secondary schools for up to one day a week. The funding of $43.8 million for doctors in secondary schools was provided for in the budget, with $25.8 million to go to recruiting and training GPs, as well as staffing and operational costs, while a further $18 million will build examination rooms on school grounds.

Thousands of Victorian students will be able to better access health care through this program at no cost to the student or their family. Research shows that healthy behaviours during childhood and adolescence can have a significant effect on both academic performance and educational attainment, particularly for students in disadvantaged areas. Our government is committed to ensuring young people are getting the health support, advice and treatment they need so that they can reach their full potential.

Members will be aware that as part of our commitment to building the education state this government made a $3 million pledge to Sunbury College prior to the 2014 election to build a brand-new science wing, and I am very pleased to report that this commitment has been honoured. In addition the last budget included more fantastic news for Sunbury College, with a $4.8 million commitment to upgrade and invest in brand-new school buildings. The college has been working hard on plans and designs for this project and is certainly very excited about its future. As with any good school, it wants to do even more for its students, and that is why this program is particularly important and why the school has applied for the $43.8 million Doctors in Secondary Schools program.

I have been lucky enough to see how a positive, supportive and inclusive learning environment makes a great difference to students. As a former student of Sunbury College I have witnessed how hard the school works to ensure every child gets the best opportunity and the support they need. Now it is time for their students to have access to a doctor in a safe and confidential environment. Tonight I ask the minister to ensure that Sunbury College is selected to take part in the outstanding Doctors in Secondary Schools program.