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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 2 Hansard (27 February) . . Page.. 516 ..

MR STEFANIAK (Minister for Education and Training) (10.44), in reply: Mr Speaker, I thank members for their contributions, the first of which I think was by Mr Moore or Ms McRae. It was about half a year or so ago. It is good to wind up this debate now. A lot of water has gone under the bridge. It is good to see even Ms Tucker acknowledge what education got in the last budget. In terms of the things Ms Tucker would like to see in the system, quite clearly some of that is just unrealistic. Mr Humphries has pointed out some findings in Auditor-General's Report No. 3. There has been a consistent theme in relation to that over a number of years, as members well know.

Members also would be aware of the Canberra Times page one report today where the Chief Minister acknowledged that we certainly spend more on education than the Auditor-General would like, and we do that for a very good reason. We have a party policy which we took to the last election and which, in fact, we are honouring. I point out to Ms Tucker that the Government is probably doing more than can reasonably be expected of it in relation to funding for education in very difficult times.

Mr Speaker, the Government has addressed the standing committee's recommendations and Assembly concerns on voluntary parental contributions. During debate, my Assembly colleagues have further highlighted the complexities of the issues surrounding the contributions. Before I go on, I want to emphasise that the Government has tightened the administration of voluntary contributions, as I think several members have appreciated in banter across the chamber. It has made sure that any practices discriminating against students or parents for non-payment are removed. The policy on voluntary contributions has been thoroughly reviewed to remove any shred of ambiguity. A new policy on parent contributions to school finances, with a heavy emphasis on non-discriminatory practices, has been published and distributed through all schools.

Mr Speaker, in the ACT, we encourage schools to manage their affairs within the parameters set by the Government. In seeking to enhance the learning environment, school communities will continue to call on parents for funds and support. We acknowledge that schools have varying approaches to fundraising too. The PAC report has clearly shown us that school communities differ in their willingness and ability to make a voluntary contribution. We must remember that parent contributions to school funds are voluntary. In making this point, we would not wish to unintentionally discourage parents from contributing to their child's education. That, I think, is something that is recognised by the school communities and, indeed, by the P and Cs, which have been at the forefront in terms of ensuring the voluntary nature of the contributions, but now are very keen to ensure that schools realise the benefits these contributions provide to our overall school system and also the benefit for students in each individual school.

Although voluntary contributions were the focus of the PAC report, the Government recognises that the issue of equity has become central to the debate. The Government takes the issue of equity very seriously and is committed to ensuring that all children have access to quality educational programs. The schools equity fund, which I have spoken of before in this Assembly, will assist schools with disadvantaged students.

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