Subject: RE: Schools Clean Up Day - Friday 1 March 2002

while we all applaud the initiative of having students clear up their own mess, I agree with the GSO that, irrespective of the cover held be Clean Up Australia, if schools agree to participate, then the whole cost could come back on the school and territory, irrespective of how much insurance CUA has, as the actions will be on school grounds and with the cooperation of the school and P&C. CUA would just be standing back in the wings and publicising themselves, while the schools would be taking on the risk.

I would recommend against the schools and P&C's getting involved. We have school cleaners who are trained, paid and insured to do the job. If a child suffesr needle stick injury, all hell will break loose.

TEXT OF ALL PRINCIPALS ALERT N0. 11/02 - 25 February 2002

The ACT Department of Education and Community Services acknowledges the efforts of the Clean Up Australia organisation and the support and participation of the community in Clean Up Australia Day activities. However, collection of litter is not an appropriate activity for students during school hours, or on school premises at any time. This applies regardless of whether the activity is organised by the school or by another organisation/group. Support for the Friday Schools Clean Up and Clean Up Australia Oays may be demonstrated by schools through participation in alternate activities offered by Clean Up Australia Ltd such as recycling programs and poster competitions.

School environments are areas which should be kept neat and tidy at all times. Schools have various stratogies through which this may be achieved including preventative programs which discourage students from littering and raise awareness of environmental issues.

Circular Minute 27/1990, Playground Litter and Legal Irnplicetions, advises that if a child is injured (or diseased) as a result of being directed to pick up litter on school premises the department will be liable regardless of any safety precautions in effect. Recent advice from the ACT Insurance Authority confirms previous advice from the ACT Government Solicitor's Office that irrespective of the Insurances held by other organisations, the department may bear the whole cost of any actions arising from Clean Up Australia Day activities. In the circumstances, the risks are unnecessarily high.

Schools which have any difficulties and need further advice should contact Workforce Relations and Legal Services on 620 59149.