Page 838 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 2 April 2008
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“Maybe you offer a premium in incomes for teachers who go into those schools.” But the feeling was that they would shy away from that.
I do not know what the solution is in the public system. If you are going to say that the public schools are open to everyone but you have this minority element that cause difficulties and teachers who are somewhat hamstrung in terms of their ability to discipline those children, it presents quite a problem. But I firmly believe that it is one the central reasons why parents try to move their kids out of the public system, and this study provides further evidence that gives credence to that view.
In the ACT, we have had recent incidents of serious disciplinary problems in public schools. This has even included serious assaults occurring in school grounds. This must surely be a management priority in ACT public schools. It is an issue which has been found by objective research to be a major factor in school choice by parents. When I hear discussions about the drift to private schools, there are often insinuations or even outright statements that the problem is merely a lack of money for public education. This is touted as a panacea to solve all of our education problems; we have all ad nauseam heard the government tout its efforts in investing in our schools. However, basic problems of discipline and values—which are shown to be major factors in parental choice—are not issues which are hampered by funding constraints. They are issues of management, of creating an environment in which students are held to a reasonable standard of discipline and good conduct.
While I am not impressed by the government’s management of some public schools, I do not think that anything was gained by the opposition’s recent forum. I share the scepticism that has been expressed by the minister about that exercise. The forum essentially copied what the government had already done 12 months ago. It seems to me that the opposition are not presenting a real alternative for Canberra families.
The minister’s amendment was deficient in that he talked about there having been no new policies in education since December. He ought to say in everything: we do not hear tax policy; we do not hear economic policy; we do not hear education policy; we do not hear health policy. We are told, “Hang on, it is coming. Trust us.” Hopefully, we will hear something before 18 October, but I am sure that if we do not get it before then we will get it shortly after.
Mr Seselja’s original motion called for recognition of the disruption to local communities and the education system by the Towards 2020 program. There is no doubt that this is true. I do not think that the impact of school closures on communities, students and families can be underestimated, even though it is a small percentage of the community that this is affecting. It must be a traumatic experience for many. Change for children—whether you have to move them between schools or between suburbs—is an issue. Those of us who are parents appreciate that; I do not diminish the effect that this might be having on some of those families.
Many people have adjusted. This is testament in no small part to the schools that they have transferred to and the efforts of the staff and communities in those areas. I have spoken to some of those school leaders. Others have found the transition harder. It is to be hoped that work is continuing to ensure that students assimilate into new surrounds.
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