Page 5215 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Evidence-based programs such as the first steps and count me in too programs are central to the ACT’s success. It takes a concerted effort to lift student learning outcomes enough to stand out from the crowd and it does not happen by accident. We are making sure that the ACT’s teaching workforce drives this difference.
The My School website and NAPLAN testing have shined a light on our schools. Now parents and the public have access to the information that used to be held behind closed doors. In December, more information will be added to the My School website. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, or ACARA, has been working closely with stakeholders to provide further contextual and meaningful data.
At 6 pm, in accordance with standing order 34, the debate was interrupted. The motion for the adjournment of the Assembly having been put and negatived, the debate was resumed.
MR BARR: Just to wrap up very quickly, at the end of this year, financial data for schools will be added to the My School website. It will show government funding—at the commonwealth, state and territory level, separated—capital and infrastructure spends and contributions by parents and donors. The updated My School website will show that the ACT invests about 30 per cent more per student than the national average. This has bought us some of the best student-teacher ratios in the country. The ACT will continue to invest strongly in education, but our performance should not be seen as ahead of the pack. New South Wales and Victoria also perform very well and they are achieving these results with a significantly lower financial investment.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella) (6.01): I will just speak very briefly to the amendment and close the debate. I want to record that I am disappointed in both sectors of the chamber for not talking to me about their proposed amendments. I support Ms Hunter’s amendment because it is substantially the same as the motion, with a little refinement in the language and making sure that the accent is on the kids and on the teachers. I understand the position that she takes. But I put this down: it will not happen again.
I actually have to record also a conversation that Ms Hunter and I just had very briefly where she expressed her regret that this had occurred. I thank her very much officially for that undertaking. I thank those members who support the motion. I express my disappointment with those who oppose the motion. Quite clearly, if we are commending the students for their achievement and we are encouraging the teachers to continue that achievement then opposition to the motion just says it all.
Amendment agreed to.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
Health—West Belconnen Health Co-op Ltd
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (6.03): I move:
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video