Page 926 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 16 March 2010
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integrate what is set out under the national legislation. As the minister has already said, nobody is completely happy with what has been proposed. From my conversations with the various boards and peak bodies and also the health complaints commissioner, yes, they have some problems with it, but they essentially do want the system we now have and for the status quo to keep going ahead, and that is what this bill attempts to do.
Again, as I have said, I think there has been some misunderstanding about how the processes will work, because boards can initiate investigations in particular matters while the health complaints commissioner is also investigating matters, so they still do have that power. There also has to be that joint consideration process. A lot of consideration has to go into the matters, and I do think that the amendment the minister has proposed to have that review will show how it has been working in practice, and that will be of benefit.
Amendments negatived.
Remainder of bill as a whole, as amended, agreed to.
Bill, as amended, agreed to.
Adjournment
Motion (by Mr Corbell) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Schools—visits
MR DOSZPOT (Brindabella) (5.38): Over the past several months, I have had the great pleasure of visiting a number of ACT government schools. At my request, the minister’s office, through the department of education, facilitated these visits. I note my thanks for the record. But I have to say that I do question the need for the draconian measures enforced by Minister Barr that I, as shadow minister for education, cannot visit any school without his express permission. All my requests have to be channelled through his office. Over the past few weeks, I have visited Kaleen high school, Black Mountain school, Theodore primary school, Melrose high school and Gordon primary school, while last year I also visited Kingsford Smith school, Cranleigh school, Duffy primary, Lake Tuggeranong college and Calwell high school.
There has been one consistent factor in each of my visits, and that is the enthusiasm with which ACT principals have showcased their schools. I have been most impressed with their dedication and pride in their schools and the school community. It is a shame that I was not able to visit these schools when students were there. This seemed to be the feeling of the principals as well, as it became quite apparent that they would like to present their schools in operational mode and all the principals seemed quite relieved to learn that these times were not of my choosing.
The fact that each visit that has been organised for me this year has been organised outside of school hours has not been a problem for me. I am aware of the time
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