Page 3646 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 8 December 1992
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Finally, recommendation 14 is a strange suggestion which, not surprisingly, has been almost universally rejected. Again, Mr Berkeley, does not seem to appreciate the very real philosophical differences and religious wishes that lead people to seek non-government education for their children. Such convictions will not be easily set aside and, I submit, it might be desirable, for the sake of diversity alone, that they not be.
To talk about integration of both sectors - and again I quote the report - "while still allowing the non-government schools to retain the important aspects of their present character" is, to my mind, a contradiction in terms. Certainly, much more investigation would need to be done before such an integrated system as has occurred in New Zealand could be instituted in the ACT. Granted, the Berkeley report recognises this and suggests that it may take place by way of a "broadly representative ministerial committee"; but I suggest that there needs to be the willingness to enter into discussions before even this step can take place and that to date there is no indication of any such interest from mainstream schools, either non-government or government.
The Berkeley report, it seems to me, has been something of a nuisance in its recommendations and therefore something of an embarrassment to the Government as to what action it needs to take upon the recommendations. I am aware, Madam Speaker, that the Government is examining some of the less contentious issues arising from the report and I look forward to receiving advice as to its decisions upon these matters as soon as possible.
As to the others, I believe that most can be discounted if the cooperation of the non-government sector is not forthcoming for their implementation. In saying this, I exclude from such a fate the breaking of the funding nexus at recommendation 4, the new funding formula outlined at recommendation 5 and the proceeds sharing suggestion at recommendation 10. These are recommendations that I believe warrant further detailed examination and negotiation involving the non-government school sector. I certainly have found a willingness on the part of that sector to cooperate and, providing there is no further erosion of, and ideally an improvement in, funding levels, or no diminution of levels of independence currently enjoyed, some good might come from - - -
Mr Wood: You want the best of about 10 different worlds.
MR CORNWELL: Yes. I am speaking on behalf of the non-government sector.
Mr Wood: You want more and more independence and more and more money.
MR CORNWELL: Some good might come from these recommendations in the Berkeley report itself; but, Mr Wood, the Liberal Party awaits the Government's response to these important recommendations, and we assure you and your Government that you will not be allowed simply to ignore them.
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