State Member for Moggill, Dr Christian Rowan MP, has thrown his support behind the LNP’s calls for Labor to fund compulsory swim classes in Queensland Schools.
Dr Rowan said that the deterioration in swimming ability across the State since 1992, when Queensland schools moved away from comprehensive programs, was “a cause for great concern”.
“Learning to swim is a vital life skill, it shouldn’t only be available to those who can afford it,” he said.
“Every other State in Australia offers comprehensive or compulsory swimming lessons, so why don’t we?’ he said.
The LNP has committed to funding compulsory swimming lessons in all primary schools.
“It makes sense that children would be taught how to swim at school.
“That’s why the LNP is calling on the Labor Government to prioritise the safety of our children,” he said.
In a statement, LNP Leader, Deb Frecklington said the program could be funded by savings made in the education budget.
“Lazy Labor’s blowouts on information and communication technologies in the education department are costing $17 million. This funding could be used to save lives by teaching our kids how to swim.”
“The LNP will fund this initiative by delivering information technology projects on budget,” she said.
Mrs Frecklington called on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to “end the waste” and “prioritise swimming lessons for our kids”.
Dr Rowan said that swimming is simply a part of Queensland life.
“It is an activity that is enjoyed by everyone no matter their age or situation, whether they live in Kurumba or Kenmore” he said.
“Across the State, everyone goes swimming, whether it is at the beach, in a creek or dam, or the backyard pool. It’s difficult to understand why schools moved away from lessons but it’s not hard to understand why they should be reinstated.”
“As a state, we continually associate ourselves with swimming. Now it’s time we associate ourselves with learning to swim.”
