WA Labor will use Royalties for Regions funding to roll out new science labs and equipment at primary schools in Geraldton and the Mid-West.

This week WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan announced the ‘Science in Schools’ policy, to ignite a passion for science among kids in regional WA, starting at an early age. The policy is part of WA Labor’s vision to broaden WA’s economy and create jobs.

In most of the primary schools in the region, science is taught in general classrooms not fit for purpose built science labs. We need to create a more hands-on learning environment to get kids engaged in science.

Under WA Labor’s state-wide Science in Schools policy, we will:

Allocate $12million to convert existing classrooms into science labs; and
Allocate a further $5million for grants of $25,000 to enable schools to buy resources to equip labs.

The rollout of the program to our primary schools will be funded through Royalties for Regions.

Comments from Member for Agriculture Region, Darren West:

“Under a WA Labor Government, Science in Schools will be a priority for Royalties for Regions. It’s great news for kids in the Mid-West.

“We want our kids to be given the tools they need to aspire to a career in science and it’s important to immerse them in science at an early age.

“It’s all part of our plan to broaden WA’s economy and create jobs in a broad range of industries.

“Many parents are worried about their future and their kids’ future. It’s time to get serious about preparing students for jobs outside of the resources industry and create new employment opportunities.

“This policy is good for kids and good for the economy.”