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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 5 Hansard (13 May) . . Page.. 1304 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

So, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, whilst I listened most intently there to the concerns, I felt that, on balance, it was in the interests of the system and certainly in no way detrimental to those two colleges that these procedures continue. It was a detailed and interesting debate in relation to the particular issue.

Ms McRae mentioned voluntary school contributions. This matter goes back to long before this Government came to office, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker. This was around when you were Minister. It was probably around even before that. I can remember, as no doubt you can, the matter blowing up in a quite big way in 1994. As a result of the committee's report which Ms McRae referred to, a number of improvements were made to the system. The voluntariness has been stressed. I am aware, Ms McRae, that from time to time there have been problems with that. There have been some schools that have not necessarily even abided by the departmental directions and suggestions in relation to that. Those issues have been, on occasion, brought to my attention, and the matters have been taken further as a result of that. The department itself has to rectify the situation there.

You mentioned that you have a concern because some schools might charge $25, some might charge $35 and some might charge $95. Schools vary in terms of how they actually raise money to attend to things they need. Some tend to rely very heavily on voluntary contributions rather than perhaps on fundraising efforts such as fetes and other things. They rely on the contributions because that gets in the money they require and they find that easier. Other schools might seek a lesser contribution but might engage in more fundraising activities. That is very much a matter for the individual schools themselves. I think the main issue in terms of voluntary contributions is that the process be rationalised, that people not think that it is a compulsory contribution and they must make it.

Certain guidelines were laid down as a result of concerns, and those are made known to the schools. I think, once that happened, the P and C Council was quite happy with the situation, realising that there might be the occasional school to follow up. The members of that body that I talked to were well aware and appreciative of the fact that voluntary contributions were an essential part of our school system and that it was especially important that the right information got to parents so that they would make those contributions. They were keen to see - as a result of the type of letter schools could write and the fact that they needed to stress, "Yes, they are voluntary; but this is what your money is going to be used for" - parents actually encouraged to make those contributions. That certainly is occurring. I certainly concede, Ms McRae, that there has been the odd occasion when maybe a certain letter that has gone out has not been as good as it should be. But certainly, when that has been brought to my attention, I have taken action in relation to that matter.

You mentioned disadvantaged students. There will be more debate later, obviously, on the censure motion - which I understand we are finally going to have this afternoon - in relation to one particular alternative education program. Ms McRae mentioned disadvantaged students. I think she also mentioned disabled students. We have taken a number of steps in relation to both of those areas. Students who need extra assistance, special learning assistance, I think are being well catered for by this Government.

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