Page 3975 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 23 November 1993
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Some schools will drop language options which have previously been available, directly affecting students. Student welfare programs will be affected. Work experience programs will be cut. School libraries will further reduce opening hours. To try to sweep these changes away and to imply that they do not affect the education of students is patent nonsense.
The Minister for Education has given us some examples today of where he believes that those cuts may occur. Combining classes may be an option, but it is not always appropriate for students to combine particular classes. He has talked about the possible reduction of R courses. That is not necessarily a good thing either for the students who value R courses and who want to participate in them. He has talked about a reduction of elective courses, particularly in high schools. We have in the ACT a student community which is committed to public education, to the quality of education they receive. One of the last things we want to be doing at this stage is reducing their options, and their elective options, particularly in high schools. The Minister for Education has also talked about possibly increasing class sizes for pastoral care matters. I think that is absolutely extraordinary. When students need assistance most, they need to be dealt with in small numbers. He also mentioned a number of other options. Really, Minister, two months after you have announced in the budget that you are going to drop 80 teacher positions, this Assembly still cannot make a judgment as to where those cuts will be felt at the individual school level.
Madam Speaker, during the Estimates Committee process the Minister for Education, Mr Wood, stated that consultation would take place on the proposed cuts. This has not occurred broadly, and I believe at this point in time that it has not occurred with parents in particular. The Government seems incapable of deciding whether education is an asset or a liability. More effort goes into defending the need to keep spending to ensure that we retain the high quality of transport and road infrastructure that exists than is expended defending the education system. Just as spending on programs such as roads can save money and have benefits in the future, young people who "achieve high standards of learning, self-confidence, optimism, self-esteem and respect for others" - the Government's words, again from the election platform - are assets for the ACT as well as ambassadors for our public education system.
The Government's attitude, reflected by the budget and its refusal to listen to the community on this issue, does not accord with its election promise to give education the highest priority. How can young people feel confident when their learning environment is under sustained attack and the subjects they choose in high schools and colleges are under threat?
Mr Connolly: How can you do this with a straight face?
MS SZUTY: I can do this with a very straight face, Mr Connolly.
Mr Connolly: No, no, not you; the bloke next to you. It is Mr Cornwell who wants to cut the budget.
MS SZUTY: I would also like to refer to social justice issues, a matter which the Chief Minister took up in the debate. Labor speaks often of its commitment to social justice in extending opportunities to those most disadvantaged in our community. Where is the social justice in these 80 teaching cuts for schools?
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