Page 3242 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 18 October 2006
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curriculum. We have that process under way. On the transport side, we are working with ACTION in relation to school bus routes. There will be, of course, transitional assistance funding.
Finally, in replying to Dr Foskey’s comments, whilst ever those communities and those individuals within particularly the Save Our Schools group wish to engage constructively in the debate, I will welcome that, but those individuals who go to the media and say that I am lying and deliberately misleading and then expect that I will not respond in anyway, that I do not have a right to defend myself and the government’s position, are gravely mistaken.
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra): Mr Speaker, I seek leave under standing order 47 to explain where I have been either misunderstood or misquoted.
MR SPEAKER: Proceed.
MRS DUNNE: I have actually used the phrase “putting good money after bad” but the minister has in his speech selectively quoted what I said. I have said it here on a number of occasions and I said it today.
MR SPEAKER: Did you say that in your speech?
MRS DUNNE: Sorry?
Mr Barr: I think it was in question time.
MRS DUNNE: I have said it on a number of occasions.
MR SPEAKER: If it was not said in your speech today you should not refer to it.
MRS DUNNE: Today, Mr Speaker, I spoke about the appropriate use of the money that the government has allocated and I have said consistently, today and on other occasions, that if you do not know the reasons that there is a drift and why we have to spend money you are not necessarily making an improvement. Spending money for its own sake, Mr Speaker, is not good enough. This government does not know why people are moving, why it should be spending money in particular areas, and, as a result of that, it is not spending the money wisely.
MS PORTER (Ginninderra) (4.24): The government is opposing the motion moved by Dr Foskey, as the minister has just said. As you know, Mr Speaker, the government is undertaking a comprehensive consultation process. We have put forward a detailed proposal on which we are seeking genuine feedback from the community. We have also backed up the proposal with a record injection of funding for public education.
Towards 2020, which was announced as part of the 2006-07 budget, provides the most significant investment to ensure that public schools remain viable and provide a breadth and diversity of programs for students. The proposal offers students and their families a more diverse range of education options to consider, including early childhood schools, middle-year programs and comprehensive high schools that offer specialist programs in
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