Scorching temperatures across many parts of Queensland reinforces the need for the Liberal National Party’s plan to air-condition every state school classroom.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said with temperatures as high as 39 degrees expected over the next three days in areas where there is no compulsory school air-conditioning, classrooms without air-conditioning would be a nightmare for teaching and learning.
“Today is going to be a scorcher across many parts of Queensland as we head into summer,” Ms Frecklington said.
“At present, air-conditioning isn’t compulsory in state schools in southeast Queensland, including on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, in Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Bundaberg and Gympie.
“Children and teachers will swelter in classrooms with no air-conditioning this week.
“We think that smart kids are cool kids.
“Queensland is a hot state and if it’s good enough that we air-condition other public buildings, it should be good enough for our kids and teachers as well.
“This is all part of our plan to make Queensland kids the smartest in the nation.”
LNP Shadow Education Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the LNP’s plan would not only keep kids cool but help them with their studies.
“Studies have shown that students perform better and produce better results in schools that have air-conditioned classrooms,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Our NAPLAN results, particularly for writing, are going backwards and it is no wonder kids are struggling to learn when some days their classrooms are over 35 degrees.
“The LNP’s plan to air-condition classrooms will lead to better student results and a more comfortable working environment for our teachers, teacher aides and principals.”
