Page 2245 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 16 August 2006
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educational seminar will be conducted by Dr Michele Bruniges, the chief executive of the ACT Department of Education and Training, a chief executive who has a PhD in early childhood education, I understand. It is not to say that those members of the opposition who seek to somehow cast some aspersion on my qualifications, as if I were the only person involved in and presented arguments on these serious issues, are correct.
Mr Hargreaves: It is childish.
MR BARR: It is childish; it is puerile. It is certainly not an expectation that any other minister in any other portfolio would be an expert on all of the issues. Clearly, I am not. Obviously, I am not. But I have a genuine interest in the portfolio areas. I bring personal experience, having been a student at many of these institutions and been involved in the higher education system. My brother is a teacher in the system. My mother taught in the system for 20 years. I am familiar with the ACT public education system.
I reject completely this assertion that I do not know what I am talking about. I am prepared to engage in this debate. Those opposite seem prepared only to engage in puerile gestures and stunts. That is a reflection on them.
Mr Stanhope: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Paper
Mr Corbell presented the following paper:
Out-or-order petition
(Kambah High School—proposed closure—Dr Foskey (197 signatures).
Early childhood development
Discussion of matter of public importance
MR SPEAKER: I have received letters from Mr Gentleman and Ms Porter proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with Standing Order 79, I have determined that the matter proposed by Mr Gentleman be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The importance of the investment in early childhood development.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (3.24): I rise today to speak on a matter of public importance—
Standing orders—suspension
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (3.25): I move:
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Mrs Dunne moving a motion that Mr Gentleman be not further heard.
Mr Speaker, today we have seen is a complete flouting by this government of all of the conventions and agreements in this place. The members of the opposition and the
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