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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 04 Hansard (Tuesday, 30 March 2004) . . Page.. 1270 ..

MS GALLAGHER (Minister for Education, Youth and Family Services, Minister for Women and Minister for Industrial Relations) (12.23), in reply: I thank members for their contribution to the debate. The Education Bill 2003 will provide a strong foundation for contemporary education in the ACT. The bill will strengthen the educational provisions for ACT children giving effect to every child’s right to a high quality education, to a parent’s rights to be included in all aspects of their child’s education and for choice in education for their children.

The new Education Bill not only replaces existing legislation that in some of its provisions date back to the nineteenth century, but it goes further in providing for reforms that will support flexible, responsive, student-centred education by schools that are accessible and accountable. The bill has been shaped by the responses to the exposure draft published in 2002 and by the recommendations of the Connors inquiry into education funding in the ACT.

Submissions were made by many individuals and all major stakeholders in government and non-government schooling and home education. Following this strong and constructive community response to the exposure draft and extensive consultations with groups the government has substantially reformed the bill. The government’s contribution to the legislation has been very significant, not least in opening the bill to further input from the community.

The legislation now meets community expectations and provides an enduring foundation for maintaining the high standards of education for our children. The general principles articulated in the new bill set the direction and purpose of the legislation to facilitate educational achievement and commitment to learning for all children, recognise their individual needs and potential, and promote an innovative and flexible approach to teaching and learning.

The bill requires educators to recognise the needs of all children and the special needs of children at risk or with a disability. There are five major themes underlying the reformed bill. These themes are outlined in the principles of the bill and reflected in its provisions for compulsory education, the operation of government schools and the regulation of non-government schools and home education.

The principles of the bill are as follows: care support—the provisions of the bill promote care and support for students. Outdated truancy provisions are replaced by procedures to assist parents in encouraging their children to attend school and complete their education. In relation to flexibility and diversity, the bill facilities diversity and flexibility. Schools are able to use courses run by alternative providers but subject to their meeting satisfactory standards. This provision recognises and regulates the existing practice of schools supplementing their curriculum with special studies in, for example, language or music as well as in an increasing range of specialist vocational courses.

On the issue of excellence in achievement, the legislation recognises that it is the responsibility of parents and government to provide a high quality education for children. Harnessing the partnership between the home community and educational providers will provide students with the basis for achieving excellence.

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