Victorian
Premier Denis Napthine pledged to put a 3D printer in every government
secondary school during yesterday’s election campaigning.
AAP reports that Napthine vowed, if re-elected, that his government would invest $2.2
million to ensure 400 government and special schools had a 3D printer.
The
initiative was announced at Melbourne Museum yesterday by Napthine and his
manufacturing minister, David Hodgett.
“The
Coalition Government will fund up to $3,750 to purchase single model printers
and the associated consumables for up to 316 secondary and P-12 schools, plus
75 special schools with secondary students, across the State if re-elected,” Napthine said.
“This program
will nurture student creativity and scientific endeavour and help to create the
next generation of cutting edge scientists, designers and manufacturers.”
Fairfax reports
that Napthine was asked on radio if these printers would be used by students to
make guns.
“They will be
printing stuff that helps them learn, helps them develop,” he replied.
The Labor opposition launched its campaign
last weekend, vowing to create 10 technical colleges and spend $510 million
upgrading and rebuilding government schools.
Image: Eddie Jim/Fairfax