Page 1967 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 6 May 2009
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schools. We increased real funding to the CIT by 15 per cent since taking office. The Liberals slashed funding to CIT by 20 per cent in real terms when they were last in office. Their past form and their warped sense of financial priorities show that the Liberals are a danger to the education of every young Canberran.
If we as a community, and our young people in particular, are to be ready for the future then it really is “earn or learn”. There is no third way. There is no option for those who are capable of being in training or a job to refuse to take the opportunities that are on offer or to make a contribution. We owe it to our young people to deliver them excellent education and training opportunities. This provides the keys to the future and those young people owe it to themselves to take up those opportunities. This government makes no apologies for investing in education and training and the future of young people, despite what those opposite think. We make no apology for ensuring that young people are given the choice to learn or earn.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Convenor, ACT Greens) (12.06): The ACT Greens are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to an education that meets their needs and aspirations and gives them the skills and capacity to participate in society. In the spirit of that commitment, I would like to thank Ms Burch for bringing this matter to the Assembly’s attention. The federal Labor government went to the last federal election with a plan that they called the education revolution. They have made various announcements for the implementation of this revolution, including the changes outlined in Ms Burch’s motion today.
Addressing the problems left in the education system by a neglectful Howard government is important. It is positive to see a new government making suggestions for improvement. I would be interested to see the data on when and how these suggestions are implemented and their progress. Nationally, we have been doing a lot of talking and now it is time for action.
The compact with young Australians announced by COAG sounds like a good idea. The Greens nationally and the Australian Education Union have agreed with the intent of the plan. However, there have been concerns expressed about the impact of the plan on the resources of our education and training sector. Mr Gavrielatos of the AEU has said:
These must be fully-funded, high-quality education and training places—what we do not want to see is the cost of training being put back on students, which ultimately creates barriers and denies access.
He calls for adequate financial support for young people in these places. These calls have been echoed by the Australian Greens senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, who goes on to note:
At a time when young people are under increasing financial pressure, students, and those in guaranteed training places, need to be better supported if they are to stay on and excel in their chosen path.
While there is general support for the intent of the plans, there is concern that funding and implementation may not meet the requirements for its success.
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