Page 925 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 March 1990
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school environment with the development during 1988-89 of a policy on the elimination of sexual harassment of and among students in ACT government schools. The policy is now nearing completion and should be released later this year. Sexual harassment can and does affect the academic performance of individuals, and is inimical to the philosophy of equal opportunity in education and the commitment to equality of outcome in education.
In addition to the development of this policy, the department requires schools to nominate a sexual harassment contact officer for students and has established guidelines for handling complaints. The continued employment of a full-time gender equity consultant for schools is helping many schools develop strategies and the dissemination of research information, ideas and resources between teachers.
I would like to commend the work of the department and the many schools involved, especially with regard to their work in promoting the status of women. I am particularly pleased that the department is constructively reviewing its programs, policies and their outcomes.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Members, you are standing between me and the speaking member. I cannot see Ms Maher. Please proceed, Ms Maher.
MS MAHER: It is through such research into the effectiveness of gender equity strategies and the application of its results that the education system will be able to play an effective role in the establishment of a more equitable society.
MR STEFANIAK (9.11): I wish to address the Assembly on the 1988-89 annual report of the ACT Department of Education. I am pleased to note reference in it to the commitment of the ACT Department of Education to the idea of a culture of service. This is a commendable attitude by the department, and reflects the thinking and management of all sections of the ACT administration sector. In an educational context this has a clear focus on service to students and parents.
The promulgation of the concept to ACT teachers began with a series of regional meetings early in 1989. Staff members from cluster schools in the regions heard members of the senior executive - Secretary, Dr Eric Willmot, and deputy secretaries Mr Max Sawatzki and Mr Phil Sadler - introduce the concept, and they led discussion about its implications for the ACT Department of Education.
Later, a working party was established to oversee the project, aiming to set the climate for achievement, determine the implications of quality, release the creativity and energy of staff, furnish resources, solve problems and remove obstacles.
The working party works on the basis that the department will need to develop a strong vision; actively and
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