In Parliament, I asked the Minster for Education how the government’s recent announcement for investment in swimming lessons is going to uplift multicultural communities, who are most at risk when it comes to water safety. Take a look:
Transcript: My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Education. My ask is how is your government’s recent announcement of 73.4million dollar investment in swimming lessons going to uplift multicultural communities who are among the most at risk when it comes too water safety and participation.
Over the summer months, I have heard growing concerns from my constituents in the Northern Metro about the inaccessibility of swimming lessons. With a children’s 30 minute lesson costing approximately $21 for 30 minutes across Northern Metro. This equates to $210 per term per child. For many multicultural families with many children, this is a barrier to keeping their children and themselves safe in the water.
While cost is a big barrier, it’s not the only one.
Language differences can make it hard to sign up or understand what’s being taught. Cultural expectations around swimming attire or mixed-gender lessons can stop families from enrolling their kids.
And for many, juggling work, childcare, and settlement challenges means they simply don’t have time for lessons.
Tragically, we know that migrants and refugees are at higher risk of drowning. Life Saving Victoria’s drowning report states that people born overseas accounted for 42 per cent of drowning deaths in Victoria.
The government’s announcement of 900,000 extra school swimming lessons is a positive step. Teaching kids to swim is essential—it saves lives.
However, as the Green Party Spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Ageing, I am concerned that this program may not reach many of those most at risk.
Many migrants and refugees do not have access to school-based swimming programs. Too often, they’re left out of lessons because of financial, cultural, or language barriers. It is clear there is a need to offer swimming lessons in community settings, not just schools.
It would be great to see culturally inclusive swimming instructors, translated materials and work with community leaders to encourage participation.
It’s important that public pools and local swimming spots are welcoming and accessible for everyone. Water safety isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Every person, no matter where they come from, should have the chance to learn to swim and stay safe in the water.
Minister, I ask: how is your recent $73.4 million dollar investment going to uplift multicultural communities who are among the most at risk when it comes to water safety and participation?
