Page 1934 - Week 05 - Thursday, 5 May 2011
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There is currently a shortage of childcare places, and the increase of up to 800 places is certainly welcome news. The Franklin early childhood school is particularly good news for local residents. The minister has hopes that this will improve childcare affordability, and the Greens certainly hope this is the case. However, there is little evidence at this stage to support the claim. The Greens understand there are a set of complex factors around the cost of childcare, many of which are out of the ACT government’s control and part of national childcare funding policy.
The ACT is fortunate to have over 80 per cent community-based childcare centres. The Greens are well aware of the dedication of the staff that manage and operate these centres and of the high quality service that the vast majority provide. Assistance for the workforce to meet the national quality framework is also welcome news. The Greens hope these incentives will have a positive impact on recruitment and retention in the sector and enable a smooth transition for the new quality standards beginning in 2014.
Disability education is a priority for the Greens in this Assembly, and we welcome the funding announcement for disability education, after-school care, vacation care and school leaver support packages. Enhanced programs and services across disability education will deliver better outcomes for students and their families.
One area that I have pushed, and am sure will provide great outcomes, is the use of therapy assistants in schools. I am glad to finally see this as a funded pilot project. I am also very pleased to see the innovative program, noteworthy, of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra receive funding. I have attended a noteworthy concert and witnessed the delight of the children as they experienced the orchestra. It is fantastic that the initiative of the CSO for four specialist concerts for disabled students can now continue.
The Greens support well-resourced public education, including appropriately remunerated teachers. The Greens agree that we need to better recognise the teaching profession and provide a more contemporary wage structure to retain and recruit quality teachers in our public system. The Greens support a system that is based on merit and accomplishment rather than crude outcomes via national testing.
International evidence does not demonstrate that remuneration based on universal test outcomes enhances quality education. Rather it increases rote learning and discourages underperformers. The Greens do not support a competition approach to education.
On women, we welcome that the ACT has signed on to the national plan to reduce violence against women. Seamless support is essential for victims of domestic violence. It is particularly welcome to see a program that targets recidivism and behavioural and cultural change amongst perpetrators. This represents a holistic approach, and I look forward to hearing about ongoing positive outcomes.
The Greens also welcome funding to Indigenous restorative justice. The outcomes of this approach are well known and have the ability to make lasting positive impacts.
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