Page 2106 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 28 May 1991
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MR HUMPHRIES - the answer to Ms Folletts question is
(1) Yes. In December 1989.
(2) Since 1980.
(3) From a building in the grounds of the Capital Bible Church at 84 Murranji Street, Hawker.
(4) In general terms, yes.
(5) At December 1989, enrolment was 30
(6) Yes.
(7) No.
(8) The school follows the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Program and students who successfully complete Year 12 at the school are awarded a certificate from ACE Australia (who run the program at a small number of schools in Australia). It is known that at least three former students have gained entry to courses at the ACT Institute of TAFE.
(9) It appears that, if prosecutions were to be made, the proprietor/principal teacher and the parents/guardians may be liable to penalties under the Act.
(10) Since the school commenced in 1980, the departments of the various Ministers responsible have discussed the registration requirement with the schools proponents and parents and have taken legal advice from appropriate government legal officers on the possibility of prosecution. This legal advice highlighted the difficulties associated with gaining a successful prosecution. In early 1990, the then Executive Deputy met representatives of the schools community who explained their unwillingness to be registered formally because of their view that the state should not interfere with a religious group in its observances. Following discussions, it was agreed that this group would seek the help of a private member in an attempt to have the Act amended to allow them to avoid the need for registration.
(11) (a) Refer to Answer No. 8
(b) The situation is being monitored by my
Ministry. -
2106
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