Page 937 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 March 1990
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One of the points on which I think it is important to comment - it was unfortunate that when I looked through this report there was no mention of it - is religious education programs that may be run in State schools. No-one is suggesting that we go back to the days of religious education being compulsory. When I went to school it was; you literally split up into two groups - - -
Mrs Nolan: There is nothing wrong with that.
MR JENSEN: Let me finish, Ms Follett - I am sorry, Mrs Nolan. I think, there are programs in relation to which committed parents are prepared to make themselves available to take into the schools on a voluntary basis a degree of religious training and instruction, giving the children an opportunity to experience the Christian religion as well as, I hope, other religions, such as Muslim and Buddhism.
MR SPEAKER: Time, Mr Jensen.
Mr Berry: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I refer to standing order 62 in relation to irrelevance or tedious repetition, with the emphasis on "tedious". The reason I raise that standing order is that a number of speeches made tonight would fall into that category and, Mr Speaker, you have been very flexible.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Berry, for your observation. That is all that is required. You do not have leave to speak on a standing order. If you want to seek leave to speak, please do that.
Mr Berry: I was just about to seek leave, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: You have gone about it in a long way. Is leave granted?
Members: No.
Mr Berry: I have not sought it yet. You want to find out what leave I am seeking. I seek leave for that written speech to be incorporated in Hansard so we can read it at our leisure.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Objection overruled, Mr Berry. Please proceed, Mrs Nolan.
MRS NOLAN (9.48): I also would like to speak, but only briefly, on matters arising from the ACT Schools Authority 1988-89 annual report. Over the past couple of years, it has become more apparent that Canberra businesses are becoming aware of the need to promote themselves to tourists, a proportion of whom are from our close neighbours in Asia. We now see signs in Asian languages inviting prospective customers to enter, but signs are not enough. Staff in those businesses need at least a basic knowledge of the languages.
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