As a parent of three children, I understand this can be a nerve-racking and emotional time for parents, especially if their child is starting school for the first time.

While parents can be assured their child will have the full support of dedicated teachers and school communities, it is disappointing that schools will start this year without a state government dedicated to education.

Sadly, 2012 will be a tough time for schools and families thanks to Baillieu government funding cuts. Instead of improving the education system and giving our children the best chance, Mr Baillieu has ripped almost half a billion dollars from the education budget.

He has abandoned Labor’s program to rebuild, renovate or refurbish every Victorian government school. He has cut literacy and numeracy programs and made massive cuts to VCAL – a program that has engaged students and supported the highest school retention rates of any state.

You can’t have quality schools without quality teachers but Victorian school teachers can expect little thanks or reward from the Baillieu government.

Mr Baillieu has broken his promise to make Victorian teachers the best paid in the country and teachers have every right to feel betrayed.

Family budgets will also be under increased pressure after Mr Baillieu axed Labor’s School Start Bonus for about 100,000 Victorians families. This is despite Mr Baillieu’s promise to keep cost of living pressures down, and with more and more Victorians out of work.

It’s a government that doesn’t care about education and doesn’t care about our children’s future.

DANIEL ANDREWS,

Victorian Opposition Leader