A special

By Jade Lawton
Many in the crowd wore orange and purple in a show of support for the campaign, which has grown from a small group of parents to a major force with more than 1500 supporters.
While politicians got time on stage, so did the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and teachers of children with special needs, who made impassioned pleas for help.
The highlight was undoubtedly the surprise announcement from Shadow Education Minister, Martin Dixon, who said a Coalition Government would build a special school in Officer in its first term – a pledge which drew cheers and applause from the crowd.
He praised campaign organiser Cathy Smith for her passion and perseverance.
“I used to be a primary school principal; I thought I knew a bit about education – but you have taught me something,” he said.
Liberal candidate for Gembrook, Brad Battin, said a special school was desperately needed.
“The support is fantastic. We will build this; I will keep Mr Dixon to his word,” Mr Battin said.
Labor MPs Johan Scheffer, Tammy Lobato and Judith Graley said Labor was committed to building a school.
“On 25 October we were very pleased to announce that under a Brumby Government a special school will be delivered for the Casey-Cardinia region,” Ms Lobato said.
“We certainly understand there is a need and under a re-elected Brumby Government, we will deliver.”
Ms Lobato said Labor had also committed to building a P-12 autism school in Ferntree Gully.
Independent candidate for Gembrook, Hayden Ostrom Brown, commended the group for putting special needs in the spotlight.
“What you have all done by signing a petition and writing in to the Gazette and by getting involved and showing community support … you have taken a small issue usually overlooked by the major parties into a crucial vote-winner that will quite possibly decide this election in a marginal seat,” he said.
“I’ll be honest, I won’t win. But if somehow I miraculously get elected, this is the very first issue I will address.”