About the Department

Minister for Education

Bronwyn Pike MP
Minister for Education
Member for Melbourne

Personal Profile

Bronwyn Pike was first elected in September 1999 to the seat of Melbourne. Upon entering Parliament, Ms Pike joined the Cabinet and has held a range of portfolios, including Housing, Aged Care, Community Services, Health and Minister Assisting the Premier on Community Building.

As Minister for Education since 3 August 2007, Ms Pike is spearheading the $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan to rebuild and modernise 500 Victorian schools over this four year term of government. This includes upgrades to technology wings; re-equipping science class rooms; building new schools in growth corridors. A key focus of this rebuilding program is encouraging joint-use of school and community facilities in areas ranging from libraries to sports fields. By 2011 more than 900 schools will have been rebuilt or modernised.

Prior to entering Parliament, Ms Pike worked as a teacher, a community services manager and as the Director of the Unit of Justice and Social Responsibility in the Uniting Church. She is also a former Board Director of Greenpeace Australia. Ms Pike brings to the Parliament a long history of advocating for social change, equality and the disadvantaged. Ms Pike recognises that a child’s learning starts in early childhood and that we must establish the foundations for life long learning, so that people have the capacity to participate in and contribute to society throughout their lives.

In May 2007, Ms Pike became the longest serving female minister in Victoria's history, a milestone shared with Lynne Kosky.