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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 09 Hansard (Thursday, 19 August 2004) . . Page.. 3927 ..

Another program to be completed over two years will improve access to schools for students with disabilities. A major program has commenced at Melrose high school, including the provision of a lift and improved access in support of a student entering the school in 2005.

The government has approved $1 million to upgrade science facilities at Telopea Park school, Stromlo high school and Erindale college. Also at Telopea Park school, a budget of $1.5 million will see a significant upgrade to the library. Funds were also provided in the recent budget for the construction of a purpose-built gymnasium at Melrose high school and for an upgrade to the multipurpose hall/gymnasium at Belconnen high school. In 2004 a new carpark was provided to support staff at Lake Tuggeranong college.

We have also increased funding under the minor new works program to $3.2 million in 2004-05, up from $1.5 million in 2002-03. Projects under the minor new works program support a broad range of school needs from canteen upgrades to administration refurbishment and classroom upgrades.

Mr Speaker, the government is investing in the Canberra community through our investment in our educational facilities. ACT schools are among the best in the country and are vital to the continuing development of a strong community that values learning and innovation.

MS MacDONALD: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. I thank the minister for that very extensive answer. Minister, with regard to the first part about media comment, are you concerned with some of the media comment surrounding the capital works program of the Department of Education and Training?

MS GALLAGHER: Yes, I am concerned with some of the commentary that has been made in the last couple of days. I believe that it will severely jeopardise the public interest disclosure investigation.

Mr Cornwell: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. Is the question asking for an opinion? If so, it is in contravention of standing order 117 (c).

MR SPEAKER: Please repeat the supplementary question.

MS MacDONALD: I asked whether the minister was concerned about the media comment surrounding the Department of Education and Training.

MR SPEAKER: Asking whether the minister was concerned is hardly asking for an opinion.

MS GALLAGHER: The Australian has run a story on the subject for the last two days, with several inaccuracies in both articles. The subject was also raised on the Chris Uhlmann show yesterday morning, with Mrs Burke participating in the interview. Mr Uhlmann came back on radio this morning and provided a more comprehensive look at what has been going on. He said:

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