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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 2 Hansard (27 February) . . Page.. 517 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

Assembly members will be aware that the Government already allocates over $34m to ensure that students are not disadvantaged. Most of that is from Territory funds - all but about $4m. This includes the means-tested junior secondary bursary scheme which directly assists students from low-income families.

The schools equity fund, Mr Speaker, is in place as of this year. The interim arrangements and allocations will be distributed to designated schools early in term two, following a collation of the results of the February census. In terms of the parameters of the scheme, the Department of Education and Training will be reporting to me on that very soon. The schools equity fund is in place and is another example of our commitment to ensure equal access to quality education programs. That fund, as members will appreciate, has been introduced in direct response to concerns expressed in the PAC report and in this Assembly. Mr Speaker, the fund is bigger than we anticipated it would be when we introduced it. In 1997 the ACT and Commonwealth governments have contributed $55,000 and $90,000 respectively to that fund. I would like to remind members that the schools equity fund is additional to the significant amount of money already targeted for equity needs through other programs. The Government will continue to support schools that seek to raise additional income from voluntary contributions. However, we are fully aware that some communities do experience a degree of disadvantage, and the establishment of the equity fund is a direct response to the needs of these communities.

Mr Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the standing committee and my Assembly colleagues for their contributions. I think we are all committed to ensuring educational outcomes are equitable. The Government will continue to monitor, assess and follow up actions taken in response to the report.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

MS TUCKER (10.49): Mr Speaker, I seek leave to bring up notice No. 2. I am sorry I was not in the chamber when it was called on. I thought that something else was being brought on first.

Leave granted.

MS TUCKER: Thank you. Mr Speaker, I move:

That:

(1) this Assembly calls on the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment to inquire into the provision of quality outdoor lighting in the ACT and to make recommendations on the most appropriate strategies to be implemented as part of an overall plan to protect and enhance Canberra's night sky;

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