Page 1074 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 20 March 1991
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seething with discontent. All those things are being said, but as yet nothing has actually been offered or volunteered to substantiate any of those claims.
Clearly, evidence is beyond those opposite, and I would suggest that they should put up in this area. It is too much to expect them to shut up, but they should certainly put up; let us see what they actually have. I am sure that the next speaker on that side of the chamber will have some concrete, substantive examples of where this Government is not providing services. I look forward to hearing from them right now.
MR WOOD (12.08): Mr Speaker, Mr Humphries said that his speech that was prepared was not relevant; how true that is. It is as well that he sat down after just a few minutes.
In supporting this motion, Mr Speaker, I will focus on some educational needs of children with disabilities. In doing so I will focus on - - -
Members interjected.
Ms Follett: Mr Speaker, speakers on this side have had to contend with constant interjections and cross-conversations on the other side of the house. I ask you to call them to order as often as is required.
MR SPEAKER: Both sides of the house at times can become unruly. Please proceed, Mr Wood.
MR WOOD: Mr Speaker, I do not believe that these educational needs are well enough known by members in this Assembly, though they are certainly well known by parents and schools. These needs are considerable. First of all, they are often very specific, requiring specialised treatment. Secondly, they require specialised equipment in many circumstances and, as we would expect, more and more individual treatment by teachers and by therapists. Simply put, these children require more care and attention than the average child. Inevitably, there is a cost associated with this, and it is a cost that we must accept. I want to comment on special facilities that have recently been set up to care for two children with very specific needs. Let me acknowledge them.
Care for our children with disabilities is a measure of our humanity. Might I say, also, that it is a good investment, because by attending to these children we are making them less dependent, more reliant, and maybe self-supporting as far as possible as they mature. In considering this we are in something of a dilemma. First of all, many of these children require highly specialised treatment. Secondly, there is the desire that they not be separated from the mainstream school children, and in that there is something of a problem. I support the efforts of the Government - which have continued from the former Government and from
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