Labor's Keryn Foley announces new 'Ignite' funding for children and students

The 'Ignite' funding would distribute funding between local schools, playgrounds and other educational programs that have been "forgotten", Ms Foley said.

"The 'Ignite' package supports young people and children in a variety of ways hoping to ignite that spark at any age for school, study, play, and creativity," she said.

"While young people may not get to vote they are not forgotten by Labor.

"Whether its young kids playing in the park, preparing for school, finishing their HSC, or becoming musicians and artists, only Labor has their back".

The funding announcement includes $90,000 to install playground shade sails at Uranquinty, Ladysmith and Mangoplah, and $50,000 to enhance and grow the Plug and Play program, which provides mentoring and performance opportunities for young musicians.

To help address enduring local teacher shortages at Tumut High School, $50,000 is earmarked to furnish and enhance the collaborative learning hub for senior students, to "help them succeed at school when they have no teachers".

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Education has been a central focus of the 2023 state election.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns is on the record saying his top priority for the state is public education; with Liberal Premier Dominic Perrottet declaring himself the "education premier" last year.

While an ideological battle around school funding has raged through the campaign, there is little difference between current propositions on paper; both prospective governments are staring down the barrel of underfunded and under-resourced public schools for at least the next term of government, while offering increases in funding to private and selective schools.

Ms Foley also took aim at rival parties within the electorate, suggesting their attentions were not on the electorate's needs.

"Labor continues to be the only party supporting the Wagga electorate with local promises that will have a big impact on people's lives," she said.

"The Ignite package is another example of Labor supporting all members of our community."

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