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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 8 Hansard (25 June) . . Page.. 2203 ..
MR QUINLAN (continuing):
Mr Speaker, this government will provide funding of $1.2 million to reduce year 3 class sizes in government schools and will ensure children in our primary schools are given a solid start in their education. This will also mean that 55 additional teachers will be employed to achieve these class size reductions, 40 in 2003 and 15 in 2004. A further $1 million capital funding will be provided for additional demountable classrooms.
The needs of adolescents in government high schools are also being addressed, particularly the needs of those at risk of not achieving satisfactory outcomes. Funding is being allocated for high school development and for a review of counselling and career services.
Information technology in schools is also receiving a high priority, with $1.68 million provided over four years for the laptops for teachers program. A further $1.06 million has been allocated to upgrade general information technology capacity across government schools. Expansion of the information technology capacity of Catholic systemic schools will also be enhanced by the provision of a $250,000 per annum grant.
This budget also provides capital funding for the construction of a new primary and high school in Gungahlin.
Not all of the $27 million election commitment has been committed in this budget. Provision has been made to allow future initiatives to come forward, and it is this government's hope that there will be a number of worthwhile proposals coming forward from the inquiry into ACT education funding and other forums where the community has input.
Health
Mr Speaker, a quality public health service is essential. Labor will address the health care of those with the greatest need.This is a strong budget for health. The budget delivers on our promises to increase resources in mental health, disabilities and respite care.
This budget provides funding of $1.4 million for mental health. Additional health professionals will be provided to increase the service capacity of the ACT Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Funding of $2.1 million over four years will also be provided for the Adolescent Mental Health Day program.
This government will spend an additional $1.1 million for services to allow carers of people with disabilities, the mental ill and the frail aged to access respite care services. $300,000 of growth moneys will be provided for psychogeriatric services.
Finally, funding on indigenous health will be boosted with an additional funding of $170,000 for the indigenous youth drug project-a project to develop indigenous-specific detoxification beds with mainstream service support.
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