My condolences after school bus tragedy

This morning I want to express the shock and devastation that we feel following yesterday’s awful bus crash on the Hamilton Highway involving students from Christian College Geelong.

The loss of a young life in such a tragic and sudden manner is almost unendurable. This has cast a shadow over our entire community, and our hearts are with all those affected.

It is something we desperately wish no parent, no family and no community should ever have to endure.

We also think of the students and driver who are still in hospital and wish them a swift and full recovery.

In moments like this there are no adequate words to convey the scale of grief and shock we feel.

As a mother who had to take the call that my son had been killed in an accident, I feel the grief – and it never leaves you. In times like this we must come together and support one another.

We stand united with the Christian College community in their sorrow.

To the emergency services and all the brave individuals who responded to this tragedy: we extend our profound gratitude.

We will continue to offer our thoughts and any support we can give to those who are grieving and to the school as it navigates the difficult days ahead.


This speech was delivered in Parliament on Thursday 28 August 2025.