Page 503 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 8 March 2011
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Supplementary answers to questions without notice
Education—teacher registration
MR BARR: During question time Mr Doszpot asked me a question in relation to comparable fees for teacher registration in other states and territories. I took advantage of the new facility of being able to access the internet whilst sitting in question time and can provide the member with the following information.
Remember that the ACT fee is $100. It is also $100 in New South Wales. In Victoria there is an initial application fee that ranges between $125 and $145, depending on the nature of the registration, and then there is a $72 annual fee. In Queensland there is an ongoing fee of between $117 and $128, an application fee of $82 and, upon the first registration, a fee of $105. In Western Australia, initial registration, depending on the nature of the application, is between $141 and $198, or $161 to $218, depending on whether it is a provisional or permanent registration, and then there is a $76 annual fee. In South Australia they have a three-year registration process. You pay $113 initially and then $293 for a three-year registration, which I believe would work out at $97.66 per year. In Tasmania the application fees and annual fees range between $84 and $129. And in the Northern Territory the fees range between $75 and $115.
As you can see, Mr Speaker, the ACT fee of $100 is the same as for New South Wales and I think is very reasonable when compared with other jurisdictions. And it is important to note that this fee is tax deductible for teachers.
ACT Ambulance Service—alleged bullying
MR CORBELL: During question time, Mrs Dunne, and also, I think, Mr Smyth, asked me a question about allegations of bullying and harassment in the ACT Ambulance Service and an investigation into those matters. I can provide some further advice to members.
A complaint was made to me on 7 December in relation to this matter. As a result, the ESA appointed Mr Michael Chilcott, former Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, to conduct the preliminary investigation. The complainant was on leave for the period 6 December last year to 15 January this year and from 31 January this year to 11 February this year. Mr Chilcott was engaged by my department prior to Christmas, and commenced in the week starting 17 January this year. The matter did not progress until the complainant returned from leave.
The Canberra Times approached my department on 24 February this year seeking confirmation that Mr Chilcott’s daughter was employed by the ACT Ambulance Service. The department confirmed to the Canberra Times that this was the case and also advised the Canberra Times that it was not considered to be a conflict of interest. Mr Chilcott was engaged prior to his daughter obtaining employment in the ACT Ambulance Service.
Mr Chilcott withdrew of his own volition as the investigator, and advised the complainant on 25 February this year. Mr Chilcott’s daughter had applied for a
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