Page 534 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 23 February 2010

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that initiative for that pilot program, if it is to be successful, to be rolled out across the territory. It really just is a case of determining the best way to apply those resources, which are significant.

In the context of our education system and the size of that system, to have 45 school counsellors, 17 pastoral care coordinators and a multidisciplinary team of 17 in addition to the range of other supports that are provided by other ACT government agencies is phenomenal. The question really for government—this is the challenge that we accept—is to ensure that we are utilising those resources effectively. I recognise and value the scrutiny that will be provided to that process by Ms Hunter, amongst others. I acknowledge the skills and experience that she brings in this area and look forward to working with her to ensure that those resources are used effectively.

I know there are a variety of uses that do not necessarily go to how much money is invested in this area but more to the effectiveness of the programs and activities that are undertaken. That debate is not resolved. That is one of the many reasons why we are supporting this particular pilot program in this particular trial in the Melba cluster—that is, to see if there are better ways of utilising the resources that we have available. In my view, if you were to compare the level of resource that the ACT government provides to student support services with any other jurisdiction, we would be streets ahead on a per capita basis. The question is how we ensure that those resources are utilised effectively, that we are innovative and that we remain at the forefront of education reform. That has always been my goal as education minister—that is, to ensure that the place that this territory occupies continues. Through this measure, through the suspension support pilot, we will see a continuation of that record of achievement and innovation in the ACT.

In closing, I thank again the Liberal opposition for their support on this occasion. I look forward to the successful implementation of this legislative reform and the suspension support pilot.

Amendments agreed to.

Question put:

That this bill, as a whole, as amended, be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

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