Media release – independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker, MP, 13 June 2023
Independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker, MP, demands urgent action for neglected St Helens School
The independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker, MP, expressed his deep frustration and concern over the inaction of the Minister for Education, the Hon. Roger Jaensch, and the Department of Education in addressing the critical maintenance problems plaguing St Helens School. Despite raising important questions seven months ago, Mr Tucker has received no response, leaving students in his electorate vulnerable and neglected in a decaying and potentially dangerous learning environment.
In a budget estimates hearing, Minister Jaensch was repeatedly questioned about the deplorable conditions at St Helens School, yet his responses remained evasive, failing to acknowledge the severity of the situation. The transcript of the hearing reveals alarming issues such as leaking pipes, non-compliant gas fittings, mould-infested classrooms, and decaying infrastructure. Shockingly, the science labs have been closed for the past 18 months, depriving year 11 and 12 students of essential educational opportunities.
“Children are suffering in a dangerous school building, and parents are literally in tears, compelled to send their children into a decaying, potential diseased death-trap,” Mr Tucker said with deep concern.
“The Minister and the Department of Education have seriously mismanaged the process of maintaining St Helens School, leaving our students and their families in a state of despair. With a priority rating of five, the lowest possible, on the 2023 capital works review process priority list, it is evident that St Helens School is being neglected and its urgent needs are being disregarded.”
Mr Tucker highlights the absurdity of this situation, questioning why a school with major capital issues and compromised safety is not being treated as a priority.
“We cannot accept that a school in such dire condition is provided with the lowest priority for works. The Minister must explain why St Helens School continues to be neglected while millions of dollars are being allocated elsewhere, such as $715 million for a stadium,” Mr Tucker said.
In response to Minister Jaensch’s claims that the school’s immediate needs are being addressed, Mr Tucker refutes these assertions, stating, “The reality is that repairs and maintenance have not even commenced, and vital facilities remain closed, depriving students of critical resources and educational opportunities.”
Mr Tucker is urging the Minister to expedite a capital asset assessment of St Helens School immediately. The school’s sinking infrastructure, rotting joists, decaying sewerage pipes, and compromised training facilities demand urgent attention. As a remote school, St Helens School serves a unique community, and it is imperative that their needs are given priority to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.
“It is time for the Minister and the Department of Education to act swiftly and decisively. We cannot allow our children to suffer in substandard conditions any longer. The neglect and mismanagement of St Helens School must end, and immediate action must be taken to provide a safe and conducive learning environment,” emphasised Mr Tucker.
Mr Tucker is calling on the Minister to fulfil his duty to the students, parents, and the community by allocating the necessary funds and resources to address the maintenance issues at St Helens School. “Every child deserves a safe and supportive educational environment, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure this right is upheld,” Mr Tucker said.
