text: Premier answers our SOS campaign | PerthNow
  Camera IconNoah Graham, 6, and Sophia Mitchell, 7, jump for joy at the news.Picture: News Corp Australia, Steve Pohlner/AAP
  Premier answers our SOS campaign
  Peter HallThe Courier-Mail
  ALL state primary students will be taught vital swimming and survival skills as part of an Australian-first program to start in schools next year, after a campaign led by The Courier-Mail.
  Under the plan to make Queensland the "Water Safe State", students at all state primary schools would now have a water safety and/or learn to swim program from 2019.
  The Queensland Government will commit $3.68 million annually – an increase of $2.18 million per year – to expand swim programs, which will comply with national standards set by the Australian Water Safety Council.
  The SOS campaign was sparked by warning from experts about a generation of kids who couldn't swim to save themselves.
  Within days of The Courier-Mail's expose, Education Minister Grace Grace ordered a series of roundtable meetings that brought together key groups, including Surf Life Saving Queensland, Royal Lifesaving, AUSTSWIM, P&Cs QLD and government representatives.
  "We know that swimming and water sports are an integral part of Queensland life, and we want to ensure that our children are able to play and swim safely.
  "This is a first because groups that had been working in isolation were brought together to create something special.
  Camera IconEducation Minister Grace Grace with Surf Life Saving Queensland chief John BrennanPicture: News Corp Australia
  – A statement of expectations where all state schools will provide all students with safe, positive and engaging water safety and learn to swim programs;
  – A new $150,000 swimming and water safety grant funding program, so schools can apply for additional funds to support their swimming and/or water safety program;
  – The Queensland Water Safety Action Statement – a plan to ensure every Queenslander has the information and support needed to be safe in and around the water
  – And a water safety and swimming education program for Prep to Year 10 students – in line with the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework and Australian Curriculum.
  The Courier-Mail's SOS campaign was backed by 45 other News Queensland publications, a range of swimming industry leaders, legendary coach Laurie Lawrence and swimming champions Emily Seebohm, Cate and Bronte Campbell, Brooke Hanson and Libby Trickett.
  The Government unveiled Sport 2030, a blueprint to "reshape the face of Australian sport and build a healthier, more physically active nation''.
  It did not discuss funding, but said: "The Australian Government will work with state and territory Education Ministers to ensure that all children have access to a learn to swim program in primary school.''