They’re committed

By Jade Lawton
Despite the bi-partisan support, campaigner Cathy Smith said there were two very different offers on the table.
The Coalition has promised to spend $10 million on a special school, building it on a three to four hectare site in Officer within its first term of government, if elected.
On 25 October, Education Minister Bronwyn Pike announced that a re-elected Brumby Labor Government would design and plan the new special school.
“As a result of a demographic review of the area, it is clear that families in Casey and Cardinia need a new special school now and in the future – and we will build it,” Ms Pike said.
Mrs Smith said Labor had not offered a proposed location or cost of the school, and had said the site would be about two hectares.
Eastern Victoria MP Edward O’Donohue said that was ‘far too small’ and Liberal candidate for Gembrook, Brad Battin, questioned the location.
“There were two media releases – one said we will build in Casey, one Cardinia,” he said.
Mrs Smith said the Coalition announcement was not an impulsive promise to win votes.
“Martin Dixon came out to Pakenham in September and with Brad Battin, Ken Smith and Edward O’Donohue, listened to our concerns. At that time, Martin said the need for this school was obvious even without a demographic study and that he would go away and work out what he could do for us,” she said.
“What he came back with last Thursday was a realistic, tangible, concrete and carefully prepared proposal. It addressed all our concerns and was a breath of fresh air after the indirect generalised assurances by Labor candidates.”