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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 07 Hansard (Wednesday, 30 June 2004) . . Page.. 3091 ..

system approach to education. The department is aware of a number of schools that are doing their best and that have put in place good values systems. I am aware that the department is looking at those schools and it is trying to establish what should be applied. But I do not get the feeling—I hope that the minister corrects me—that a departmental plan or government directive is in place that states that all schools should adopt these successful models and implement values education.

The best place for the government to start would be to look at the model of the Department of Education and Training, pick up its recommended framework, and say to schools, “Take this framework, have a look at it, let us talk about how you might take on board those values and we will support you in the best way we can.” Values education is important in developing our children’s characters as well as giving them a leg up to assist them in achieving good academic outcomes. That is important in this challenging world. If we are to get our kids ready to go out into the world they need to take on board a good set of values.

MS DUNDAS (6.13): I am unable to support the motion moved by Mr Pratt. After having listened to his contribution, I found his motion quite insulting. Mr Pratt, when presenting his argument earlier, quoted a number of statistics to give a snapshot of ACT government schools at the moment. At no time during his speech did he articulate the core values that he thought should be taught in ACT government schools. He did not lay down a vision for what he believes to be the missing values from our schools.

Core values are being taught at ACT government schools, but there might be some disagreement about what values are important. I had a quick look on the Internet and found some mission statements or school values that have been put forward by some schools. One school is able to promote the values of respect and care for others. Students are encouraged to be information literate, independent, resourceful and self-disciplined. Another school aims to provide education that is both meaningful and relevant to a child in a happy, secure and caring environment. Another school states:

Together we will seek opportunities that will empower students to strive for a quality life in a challenging society as informed, caring and responsible people.

Another school is founded on a tradition that encourages achievement in learning in a safe and friendly environment. So ACT government schools already teach respect, tolerance, an appreciation and understanding of Australia’s difficult past and what that means for our future. If those values are not good enough I do not know what is. I was thinking how only two weeks ago Ms MacDonald, Mr Pratt and I walked around a government school as part of our education committee inquiry into teacher numbers. That school impressed me. I am amazed that Mr Pratt did not think that that government school was teaching values.

Mr Pratt: I did not say that.

MS DUNDAS: You said that the ACT government needs to mandate the teaching and practising of values in our schools, but you have not yet outlined what are those values.

Mr Pratt: I did not say that that school did not teach values. I know that it does.

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