Page 351 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 19 February 1991
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of our education system, and I hope that people do not generally see that as some derogation from the effectiveness of that system. In my view, it certainly is not.
I reject completely the assertion that there is overcrowding, unacceptable overcrowding in Macquarie school. The Attorney-General tells me that he was out there at the school this morning, and noted that the classroom in question did not even appear to be in use today. Whether that is the case or not, it is my intention to move as quickly as possible to ensure that the full space available at Macquarie, that is, including the space that the Independent Living Centre occupies, is made available to the school at the first opportunity.
Incidentally, Mr Speaker, my advice at this stage is that the girl that Mr Moore referred to was accosted by a stranger when on her way to school in the company of her brother. The preparations made by Macquarie school to deal with such eventualities have obviously been reinforced as a result of that incident, and I am satisfied, on the briefing that I have received, that, in fact, the school is taking adequate steps to ensure that the risk of such things is minimised.
MR MOORE: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Minister, how will you put at ease the minds of parents of children from Cook, who now have to walk long distances because you have closed their neighbourhood school?
MR SPEAKER: Order! I do not believe that that is a supplementary question. The original question was - - -
MR MOORE: It certainly is a supplementary question. I asked a question about the possibility of assault at Macquarie Primary School for children from the closed Cook Primary School who now attend Macquarie school and have to walk twice the distance, or more than they did before. It is a quite appropriate question.
MR SPEAKER: All right. Please proceed.
MR HUMPHRIES: The police, of course, have been involved with the situation there since the report of the girl having been accosted by a stranger. The police have advised that they have a program of surveillance in place as a result of this incident. The school has prepared a special newsletter to parents, outlining the situation and providing phone numbers to call if they feel that more information or assistance is required. Class discussions of the dangers of situations like that and appropriate protective behaviour strategies have been held throughout the school since this incident. Students have been asked to report any suspicious strangers or behaviours to the school, and the principal continues to monitor the
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