LIBERAL Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell MP, has called on the Andrews Labor Government to introduce a school bus program for students of Kyabram’s St Augustine’s College who live in Tatura.
Lovell made this request during the adjournment debate in the State Parliament and directed it towards the Minister for Education, Natalie Hutchins.
Lovell’s request was prompted by a passionate letter from a year 8 student at St Augustine’s College in Tatura, describing the challenges faced by students who use the V/Line public bus system to commute to and from school each day.
Currently, there are 45 students from Tatura attending the college, and this number is expected to increase by approximately 20 new students in 2024.
Lovell expressed concern over the lack of a dedicated school bus for Tatura students attending St Augustine’s College. She highlighted safety concerns associated with students using the public bus network and called on Minister Hutchins to provide a dedicated school bus service for these students.
Additionally, in response to recent incidents of violence at school bus interchanges in Greater Shepparton, Lovell also urged the deployment of Protective Services Officers at school bus stops to ensure the safety of all students.
“With 45 St Augustine’s College students currently living in Tatura, it is concerning they are forced to use the V/Line public bus network to travel to and from Kyabram for school each day,” said Ms Lovell before adding, “With the number of students from the school living in Tatura expected to rise next year, it is time the Minister established a dedicated school bus service for these students.”
