Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .
Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 6 Hansard (18 June) . . Page.. 2074 ..
MR CORNWELL
(continuing):Ms Gallagher went on to say, "Of course, it's not being used for the purposes for which it is intended. It's being used for other purposes."What other purposes? Mr Corbell confirmed that this dastardly misuse of funds was the use of these funds for refurbishing and extending. Doesn't this happen in any decent education system? Isn't there a need to refurbish? Isn't there a need to extend? Aren't there demands?
The ISS funds for Burgmann College are for essential infrastructure, items such as halls and gyms. Isn't there a constant demand in any government or non-government school for such upgrading? Apparently it is not required in the non-government sector; you do not believe in that. Perhaps this is a means of seeing the sector rot. You say that the money is not going to be taken from the non-government sector; it is going to be reinvested. Somebody might like to tell me how, they might like to tell me when and they might like to tell me with whom.
Ms Gallagher
: As it becomes available.MR CORNWELL
: As it becomes available. I see. How, when and to whom is this reinvested money going to be applied? The government has not yet spelt this out, which means that they may well be favouring certain schools as opposed to others. No wonder the non-government school sector is concerned, very apprehensive, about this move.Mr Corbell went on to say that it would be given where it was most needed. Let me just remind you in terms of this other purpose that you talk of that in the 2002-03 budget education initiatives included money for a reduction in year 3 class sizes, high school development and a laptop for teachers program. In the most recent budget there is reference to counselling services in ACT government schools and a curriculum renewal project. Don't you think that the non-government sector is looking at the same initiatives? Where did they find the money you are talking about in the movement away from what you believe the interest subsidy scheme to be for? Of course it is being used for extra initiatives.
Ms Gallagher
: It's not.MR CORNWELL
: Of course it is. What are they doing? Are they going to the Gold Coast? Really, it portrays a worrying trend-the total ignorance of this Labor government about the non-government sector in education. I think that this is a matter of considerable concern. In fact, it is a greater concern that the parents of non-government students should have, if they are listening to this debate, than the removal of the ISS.It is perfectly true that many parents in the non-government sector struggle very hard-two jobs, et cetera-to pay for these school fees. The talk about rich schools is really a contradiction in terms. You may think that that is the case, but they are only propped up by the efforts of the parents of these children. I would strongly urge you to go and look at some of them.
Ms Gallagher
: I've seen them.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .