Page 4384 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 21 November 1990
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We think that the schools can be retained. Effective efficiencies can be made in the system and educational opportunities retained. The decision was irresponsible, ill thought out and stands condemned.
MR BERRY (12.09): Mr Speaker, I rise to move an amendment which has been circulated in my name. The amendment is to notice No. 3. It reads:
Omit "High School" and substitute "Primary and High Schools".
I do not seek to speak on the matter. The words were overlooked in the course of matters. The amendment speaks for itself.
MR SPEAKER: Yes. We will vote on each notice as it comes up.
DR KINLOCH (12.10): May I begin by quoting the Residents Rally policy on school closures. It states:
All is not well, however.
This was something that both Mr Moore and I were heavily involved with:
In recent years many problems, partly related to funding, have resulted in a diminution of services, and fewer schools available in the public sector.
I suppose that is partly a reference to the four schools closed by the Labor Government. It continues:
There has been a tendency towards unnecessary duplication of public and private schooling in some areas. There is also a worry about the recent direction of the ACT Schools Authority.
The Rally remains committed to the idea of neighbourhood schools.
As indeed we continue to be. It goes on:
The Rally believes that NO school in the ACT should close until all alternatives have been considered and the school community - students, parents and teachers have had an opportunity to discuss the proposal and make recommendations on future ramifications.
So, what we are saying is that we are not some kind of party believing in a static state. We recognise that sometimes there have to be changes and those are the circumstances under which we would accept changes. I honour all those who have concerns about our schools and I believe that that concern runs throughout this Assembly. I
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