Page 2928 - Week 08 - Thursday, 25 June 2009
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
pleased that the committee will be able to consider the findings of the special education review being conducted by Dr Shaddock.
It is an opportunity to reflect on our practices in the ACT. It is time to enhance the already impressive set of programs for students with disabilities in government and non-government schools. We educate students in special schools, but we need to also be aware of and provide services for over 500 students who are in mainstream schools in the public school sector. I am happy to see that this motion directly addresses post-school options, transitions and later-year pathways for students with a disability. Too often we provide good education for our students with disabilities, but we then need to go on and provide enough support for students and families for the students to transition into training, work and other respite activities.
As a member of the education, training and youth affairs committee, I am looking forward to the opportunity to investigate this important policy area and to explore ways that the government can continue to help students with disabilities focus on their abilities and eventual transition from school to adult life. Each year the Department of Education and Training conducts a satisfaction survey among the parents of students who are accessing special education programs and services. I am pleased to report that around 89 per cent of parents who responded to the survey expressed their satisfaction with their child’s special education program. An 89 per cent satisfaction rate is a very good result. I am confident that the education we provide for students with a disability is already of a high quality, but we can and we must ask: can we do better?
The Shaddock review will tell us this. The review will identify areas where we are currently doing well and areas where we can improve. It will ensure the significant investment that the ACT government makes in special education services produces the best outcomes for our students and allows them to reach their full potential. It is important that the standing committee inquiry considers the other important areas highlighted in the motion and retained in the amendment. I urge the Assembly to give their support.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Children and Young People, Minister for Planning and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation) (10.32): I thank members for their contributions, perhaps some more than others. The free sporting advice from Ms Bresnan is a bit hard to take this morning. I do note that I am resplendent in my Blues tie, regardless of—
Ms Bresnan: Where is your Maroons scarf?
MR BARR: I never committed to wearing it. I draw the line somewhere, I have got to say. It is some small consolation that, in spite of Queensland’s success in Rugby League, their Rugby Union team has struggled to win two games in a row over the last four years; so I draw some small consolation from that. I also advise that there is only one sporting competition where I would support New South Wales and it is the Rugby League.
To go to the matters before us today: I thank members for their contributions and welcome that we are finally making some progress on this matter. The government
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .