Page 3531 - Week 12 - Thursday, 19 September 1991
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MR WOOD: No, there is no appalling double standard in this respect at all. The Government has considered the position of the non-government schools in the ACT. It looked at the cushioning arrangement that did apply under the assurance of the former Minister for Education, Senator Ryan, for whom I worked at that stage. We looked at that in the light of the funding arrangements applying now in the Territory.
We looked at it in the light of the funds that were generally available to non-government schools and also to government schools, but particularly in that non-government sector, and became aware that the circumstances behind the cushioning had changed very considerably. The level of cushioning had already dropped remarkably; but at the same time, with the relatively low level of inflation in the last year or two, it was still going to take some time to work through. In those circumstances, in view of the tight budget, it was simply not possible to sustain that level of funding to those schools.
MR HUMPHRIES: I ask a supplementary question, Mr Acting Speaker. I accept that the Minister believes that there is good reason for this, but my question was: Why has he acknowledged, and supported, a commitment made to a government school, namely, Weetangera school, in the campaign last year concerning school closures, when this year he is prepared to jettison, to throw to one side, a similar commitment, by the Commonwealth, to a non-government school; in fact, three non-government schools?
Mr Kaine: What is the difference?
MR WOOD: The difference is clear. Might I note that it is interesting that only now does the member raise the matter of this funding. We have sat for two days following the budget, and some bigger number of days since this matter was somewhat floated in the media, and it has never been raised, whether by MPI or by question, until this moment. Clearly, the circumstances have changed considerably, much more so than in relation to matters affecting government schools in the Territory. The circumstances are now considerably different, as I explained to you.
Bruce Stadium - Lease by Canberra Raiders
MR COLLAERY: My question is directed to the Chief Minister. I ask the Chief Minister where in the budget papers the $1m owing to us by the New South Wales Rugby League in respect of the Raiders' emplacement at Bruce is listed. Is it listed as a recoverable or a non-recoverable item? If it is listed as recoverable, does that mean that the rosette which adorns her deputy's lapel is a million dollar button?
Mr Berry: I will take that.
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