Michael Sukkar MP

Federal Member for Deakin
Shadow Minister for Social Services
Shadow Minister for the NDIS
Shadow Minister for Housing
Shadow Minister for Homelessness
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PM Focuses on STEM Subjects at Croydon’s Luther College



The Prime Minister today received a warm welcome from Year 12 chemistry students at Luther College in Croydon.

Principal Michael Kleidon invited the Prime Minister, along with the Federal Member for Deakin, Michael Sukkar, the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Kevin Andrews, and the Assistant Minister for Education, the Hon Sussan Ley, to join in a chemistry class.

The visit highlighted the Coalition Government’s investment to improve the focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

The Government will invest $12 million in primary and secondary schools across the country to ensure young Australians are equipped with the necessary skills for the economy of the future.

The Government will also establish the Commonwealth Science Council as the pre-eminent body for advice on science and technology in Australia.

Mr Sukkar said that the Science Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, would advise the Government on areas of national strength, current and future capability.

“The Council will also work out ways to improve connections between Government, research organisations, universities and business,” he said.

“We must encourage interest and curiosity in STEM subjects and demonstrate there are great careers built on science, engineering, maths and technology.”

The Government will:

  • Invest $7.4 million to provide innovative mathematics resources for primary and secondary school teachers and students.
  • Invest $3.5 million to provide greater exposure to computer coding across different year levels in Australian schools to expand the pool of ICT‑skilled workers.
  • Provide $500,000 for an innovation-focused ‘Pathways in Technology Early College High School’ (P-TECH) pilot programme to help develop the next generation of innovators and job-ready graduates.
  • Increase student participation in the ‘Summer schools for STEM students’ programme, with a focus on girls, disadvantaged and Indigenous students and those living in regional and remote areas. The Government will provide funds to support travel and accommodation for participants.