Page 3840 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 25 August 2010
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for students and teachers. That is a Labor program that I am proud of, but it is a program that the Liberals at both the federal and territory levels have fought against every step of the way.
Just last week, at the official opening of a new primary school classroom block and refurbished special education and language centre at Trinity Christian school, the principal clearly stated how thrilled he was not only with the funding but with the quality of the work that was undertaken by local architects and builders and with the value for money achieved by that project. I am sure Mr Doszpot remembers these words, as he sought leave from this place to be there.
In addition to the building the education revolution funding, Catholic systemic colleges, such as St Mary MacKillop college, will benefit from approximately $6 million in funding under the trade training centre program. This commonwealth funding will train young people in the ACT in general construction and hospitality. These are areas of present and future skill shortage. As we get towards a result in the federal election, I hope that whoever forms a federal government will not cut this important program. I know the federal Liberals are on the record as saying that they will.
Mr Doszpot’s use of figures in his motion is distorted and misleading. I note that he even made a handwritten correction to an obvious error of fact in the motion that was circulated to the administration and procedures committee. The key fact is this: the Stanhope Labor government delivers record funding to our Catholic and independent schools. Over the term of the Stanhope government’s funding, our Catholic and independent schools’ resourcing has increased from $29 million in 2001-02 to over $45 million in 2010-11. That is more than any other government has provided in the territory’s history. This is an increase of $16.1 million or 54.2 per cent, which is well above the CPI increases over this time. In per capita terms the grant has increased from $1,300—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Barr, one moment. Stop the clocks, thank you. Members, Mr Doszpot gave what can perhaps best be described as a contentious speech. He was heard in silence. I expect the same standard to apply to Mr Barr, and to Ms Hunter when she rises. Mr Barr.
MR BARR: Thank you, Mr Speaker. As I was saying, in per capita terms, the grant has increased from $1,313 per student in 2001-02 to $1,821 in 2010-11, or 38.7 per cent, again well over CPI for that period.
The ACT government makes funding decisions on a needs basis per capita assessment. I am proud that, under this system, our Catholic systemic schools in the ACT receive substantially higher per capita funding than our independent schools. This is primarily because of the needs-based model, but also because the ACT government provides targeted funding to our systemic Catholic schools. This is good, progressive education policy, providing funding where it is needed most.
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