Page 4691 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 20 October 2010
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need to properly address the efficiency dividend process in a timely manner and the need to consult with stakeholders and the school community during that process.
The amendment acknowledges the difficulty in finding efficiency dividend savings in the Department of Education and Training, and there is a distinction to be made in the types of services that are delivered by the education and health departments, for example, as opposed to those from Treasury and LAPS. Changes in health and education can have direct and significant consequences on many people. In the case of education, it is on students’ lives.
It is appropriate that the Assembly exercise a level of control over the actions of the minister and the department to ensure that what they are doing is consistent with the ideas and values of the community. In doing that, however, we must ensure that we are fully aware of the situation and do so in a manner that allows ideas and proposals a fair hearing. We should be fostering not only creativity but also common sense within our government departments.
The department needs input from the broader school community, the families and the students that may be impacted to be able to properly appreciate where the greatest demand is and the role and impact that the current services actually have.
As with any consultation process, it is essential that all the necessary information is provided in a manner that facilitates understanding and allows for constructive feedback to ensure the best outcomes. We need to recognise that there are an increasing number of students with special needs coming into our education system. We need to ensure that the resources and the teachers are in place so that these children have the opportunity to achieve the best possible educational outcomes.
This year’s education budget delivered increased disability services money of $1.6 million over four years. I think it is really important to look at paragraph (3) of my amendment. It is very much about not supporting cuts to services and our teaching resources for students. It is very clear. That is what it states. The Greens do not support that as a way of going about finding the efficiency dividend cut.
I do note that the minister has said this morning—and I think it has been out in the media—that the department will be looking at other ways to achieve their efficiency dividend, such as consultancies, travel and accommodation, stationery and the car fleet. What I do find astounding—
Opposition members interjecting—
MS HUNTER: It is a little bit of a shame that I am trying to make a speech here, Madam Deputy Speaker.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, members!
MS HUNTER: The minister has stated that the department will be looking at these other areas. What I find astounding is that the department did not start with these areas.
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