Page 3236 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 18 August 2009
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and by building new schools where they are needed most. That is my vision for education in our city—government and non-government.
The Non-Government Schools Education Council has asked me about the role of the non-government education sector and the government’s aspirations for this sector over the next three years. On the role of the non-government education sector, I have said repeatedly that the old public-private debate is over. I am the minister for all students in all schools. My fundamental view on the role of the non-government education sector is a simple one: to provide excellent education for all the children who choose to learn in non-government schools. Everyone learns, Madam Assistant Speaker.
On the government’s aspirations for the sector over the next three years, I have two key aspirations: that the sector is fully independent and that it is fairly funded. To give a practical example of what I mean by full independence, I have made it abundantly clear in this place that the government opposes any plans by the Liberal Party’s spokesman to use the Human Rights Act as a way for the government to take over non-government schools. That will never be my policy. Indeed, I support a strong and independent non-government school sector which collaborates with the government sector in the best interests of every child. For example, I recently agreed to a request from the Catholic Education Office, the Association of Independent Schools and the Association of Parents and Friends of ACT Schools to include non-government schools in the Shaddock review into special education in the ACT.
Schools are also collaborating to ensure the safety of all students in all ACT schools. I have recently offered non-government schools the opportunity to join in the work of the ACT safe schools task force, and I will be making further announcements in this area in due course. In addition, as the Chief Minister has outlined in the spring legislation program, we will be bringing forward an amendment to the Education Act so that principals have stronger disciplinary powers. I can advise the Assembly that Catholic schools are also interested in this initiative and intend to join with government schools in implementing this reform.
In relation to capital works and building the education revolution, we have cut red tape to allow ACT schools to build new classrooms, libraries and gymnasiums. Over half a billion dollars has been invested in all ACT schools from federal and territory Labor governments. Let us not forget while we are on this subject that territory and federal Liberals voted against every single cent of that expenditure.
Another example of this collaboration between government, Catholic and independent schools is in physical education. That is why over 13,000 students from 47 ACT primary schools in the government and non-government sector are participating in the minister’s inaugural physical activity challenge. There were more than 13,000 students in 2008 and there is a similar number in this year’s challenge. The Children’s Physical Activity Foundation was established to provide grants for sporting equipment and programs to assist both government and non-government schools in the delivery of high quality physical education.
In addition, government and non-government schools will finalise the implementation of the preschool to year 10 ACT curriculum framework—every chance to learn—by
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