Page 47 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 8 February 2022
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We also know that keeping students in their classrooms during a pandemic means additional costs. Late last year we announced two tranches of additional funding to meet COVID-19-related costs in schools and early childhood education and childcare services. In October we committed $5.7 million for term 4 costs, and in November we announced another $12.6 million to cover the first two terms of this year.
Almost $3 million of ventilation works have been carried out or are underway. The focus is now on preparing for the cooler months, including the installation of new ventilation systems that provide warm conditioned outdoor air. Three schools are receiving new shade sails, at a cost of $500,000. Construction has begun at Duffy primary, and design work is underway for Charles Weston and Evatt primary. We are also planning another $2.5 million worth of shade structures this year.
To date, about $200,000 has been spent on mask and sanitiser provision at ACT schools, with another $1.5 million earmarked for the first two terms of this year. About $500,000 was spent on casual and relief staff at the end of last year, and a further $2.9 million has been allocated for the first two terms of this year. Telehealth psychology services have also been bolstered, with an extra $13,000 in term 4 and a further $200,000 allocated for the first two terms of this year.
As I have said before, this pandemic is posing a significant challenge to schools and the communities that surround them. However, it is a challenge that our community is working together to overcome, and we will continue to do so. Schools are the beating heart of Canberra, and we will do what we need to in order to keep them as safe as possible and to ensure a great education for our next generation.
I present the following paper:
COVID-safe return to school—Ministerial statement, 8 February 2022.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Justice and Community Safety—Standing Committee
Scrutiny report 12
MR HANSON (Murrumbidgee) (11.38): I present the following report:
Justice and Community Safety—Standing Committee (Legislative Scrutiny Role)—Scrutiny Report 12, dated 1 February 2022, together with a copy of the extracts of the relevant minutes of proceedings.
I seek leave to make a brief statement.
Leave granted.
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