THE Oppostion have slammed the Cook Labor Government for upgrading five out of 45 schools selected for its Cool the Schools program however Education Minister Sabine Winton says the program is on track.

Opposition education spokesperson Liam Staltari said conversations in parliament revealed years of neglect and underinvestment in basic school infrastructure.

According to the WA Liberal party, Freedom of Information documents detailed three consecutive summers of air-conditioning breakdowns at Malvern Springs Primary School in Ellenbrook, where classroom temperatures reached 39 to 40 degrees.

“What happened at Malvern Springs is unacceptable – students being sent home, classes disrupted, and a school forced to beg the department for portable air-conditioners just to get through the heat,” he said.

“Summer is fast approaching and too many WA students and teachers are facing another season of sweltering classrooms.”

Ms Winton said the commitment to upgrading air-conditioning at 45 schools across the state was a commitment only the state Labor party made at the 2025 election.

“Malvern Springs Primary School is a relatively new school, which was built under the Liberal Nationals who did not prioritise installing superior reverse-cycle air-conditioning in their school,” she said.

“We’re fixing the mess inherited from the former Liberal National government, who prioritised cheaper and less effective evaporative air-cooling systems in public schools which are now being replaced.

“This work is significant, with the majority of schools requiring substantial power upgrades and planning to minimise disruption to learning.

“Our government’s priority is delivering upgrades to all 45 schools as part of the Cool the Schools program as quickly as possible.

“I will always consider all requests for new air-conditioning as part of any future expansion of the program.”

Within Swan, Kalamunda, Mundaring and Bassendean the schools captured by the program are Ashfield Primary School, Dawson Park Primary School, Eden Hill Primary School, Ellenbrook Secondary College, Embleton Primary School, Herne Hill Primary School, High Wycombe Primary School, Kalamunda Primary School, Morley Senior High School, Mount Helena Primary School, and Mundaring Primary School.

Upgrades have been completed at Ardross Primary School, Booragoon Primary School, Burrendah Primary School, Newborough Primary School, and White Gum Valley Primary School.

Works at Embleton Primary School are set to reach practical completion this week.