Page 2577 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 23 August 2006
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about the government’s consultation process. Mr Barr said it was about answering people’s questions. I think he sees consultation as a simple exchange, but it does not appear to include listening to any great extent.
This morning government members criticised two opposition members, and probably me, for not coming up with ideas. They asked, “Where is your 2020 vision?” I have mentioned quite a few ideas. A few weeks ago one of the issues that came up in my conversations with Kambah High School related to introducing technical education, CIT programs, into that school. That is one idea that we have come up with.
Mr Barr: Yes, I have already talked to them about it extensively.
DR FOSKEY: I am not saying that I first thought of the idea; I am saying that it arose as a result of discussions. Consultation involves having discussions.
MADAM TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mrs Burke): I ask Dr Foskey to direct her comments through the chair.
Mr Barr: We are deeply engaged in discussion on that already. That is what we are doing.
DR FOSKEY: Another concern that has been raised by a constituent of mine is that people are not getting the answers to their questions that they want. Apparently, it is taking Mr Barr a long time to reply to emails. I do not know how letters are going, but I believe that email replies from Minister Barr’s office are taking over 10 weeks. Apparently, one of the reasons for it is that emails are going to the department to be answered. I believe that occurs so the department can keep track of consultation. It also enables the department to keep a list showing the stance of certain individuals on this action.
If those people are teachers it is a matter of particular concern. Members know that teachers have a number of concerns, both as educators and as parents. If the government is keeping track of them to establish whether or not they are concerned about the 2020 process that is a worry. People are writing to Minister Barr, as a government minister, to find out what he thinks. The education department is also being stripped of staff. There have been massive staff cuts in the education department. Ninety of the 350 staff will lose their jobs, which is more than a quarter.
The education department has been given an increased workload to deal with the minister’s job at a time when people are going through the stress of losing jobs. It is a worry. I do not think that is consultation.
Mrs Dunne: Mr Speaker, under standing order 47 I would like to clarify some words. I believe Dr Foskey misunderstood me and misquoted me in her speech.
MR SPEAKER: It is usual for that to be done at the conclusion of debate.
Mrs Dunne: Thank you, Mr Speaker.
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