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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 5 Hansard (11 May) . . Page.. 1490 ..

The Department currently has a wide range of programs for students with challenging behaviours such as the High School Support Centre and Student Management Support Centres.

To further address this problem, the department is in the process of developing a long-term strategy for student management, which will include students with disabilities. An additional alternative education program will be investigated along with other options as part of the long-term strategy.

The Department of Education and Community Services is working with the Department of Health and Community Care to investigate options for students with mental health concerns.

The Government supports the intent of recommendation fourteen, that. as a matter of urgency, the Government establish day programs for young people up to age 20 with disabilities and challenging behaviours who are not coping in the special school setting. The department is in the process of developing a long-term strategy for student management that will include students with disabilities. The consideration of provision of services for school aged students who are not coping in the special school setting will be part of that process.

Mr Speaker, the Government supports the intent of recommendation seventeen suggesting a whole of Government planning process for children and young people with disabilities based on the model outlined by the Community and Health Services Complaints Commissioner. A process of collaboration to develop a whole of Government planning process will be considered within the available resources.

The intent of recommendation nineteen is also supported. The Department of Education and Community Services will investigate the possibility of financial incentives for teachers to upgrade their qualifications in special education through the enterprise bargaining process.

While accepting the above nineteen recommendations Mr Speaker, the Government does not agree with recommendation five.

The Government does not support recommendation five that the department investigate the establishment of a separate fund which schools could access to purchase basic and essential equipment for students with disabilities. Schools now receive funding for this purpose under school based management arrangements and from the Commonwealth.

As well, Mr Speaker, in November 1999 I launched the new ACT Vocational Education and Training Strategy for People with a Disability, 2000-2003. The project is currently being implemented through information sessions for employers, carers and schools. The strategy will provide improved access to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

In summary I would like to emphasise that the Government will continue to place the provision of services for students with disabilities as a high priority. We will endeavour to provide a quality service that is equitable and relevant to the needs of the community.

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