Page 849 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 March 1990
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MR BERRY: You said, "We will continue to make representations".
MR KAINE: Yes, and we will, too.
MR BERRY: Continue on what?
Overseas Students - Fees
MRS NOLAN: Mr Speaker, my question is to Mr Humphries as Minister for Education. Are overseas students diverting resources from ACT students under the full fee paying overseas student program?
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I thank Mrs Nolan for her question. In July last year the Commonwealth Government approved the introduction of full fee paying overseas students. As a result of this decision the ACT public education system has enrolled overseas students on a full fee paying basis for the first time this year. However, minimal administration resources have been allocated during the initial phase of the campaign. A ceiling of 100 students was set for 1990, although currently there are only 33 students enrolled in the ACT program. Fees for 1990 for attendance at ACT government schools have been set for those students at $6,500 for years 11 and 12 and $5,500 for years 7 to 10 and for primary school students. The fee structure has taken into account the additional services these students require in the areas of student welfare, English as a second language and counselling. Specific course levies, book fees and other school based costs will also be met by the students. Students are required to have a satisfactory command of English, of course, and improvement in English is effected either through a private ELICOS provider - that is, English language intensive courses for overseas students - or the department's introductory English centre, or the ESL classes available in secondary colleges.
The Government considers that the introduction of full fee paying students not only does not draw away resources from ACT students but actually promotes an interchange which will enhance the educational experiences of all ACT students.
Pine Forests
MRS GRASSBY: I will ask a question of Mr Kaine. What financial arrangements have been made with the Commonwealth over the transfer of ACT pine forests to the ACT?
MR KAINE: I have no knowledge of any specific financial arrangements that have been entered into, Mr Speaker, but I
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