Page 899 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 20 March 2012
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himself and to Mr Coe. I see no reason to repeat my answer again. I have already answered this question.
MR SESELJA: A supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Seselja.
MR SESELJA: Minister, could you describe to us how section 36 of the act forces departmental policy not to reference weapons?
DR BOURKE: I am advised that it is section 36 of the act which is required to reflect within the suspensions, exclusions and transfer policy. That is my advice that I have received. Of course, if Mr Seselja wants a legal opinion, that would be out of order.
Schools—weapons
MR HANSON: My question is to the Minister for Education and Training. Minister, with respect to a recent incident involving a student at a Canberra high school and the involvement of a weapon, you called for a risk assessment of knives and sharp objects. What are the terms of reference for this risk assessment?
DR BOURKE: I thank the member for his question. Yes, I asked for a review of school policy on these matters. I also asked that it be referred to the safe schools task force. As the member may or may not be aware, the safe schools task force is comprised of representatives from ACT public education, Catholic schools, independent schools and a range of community organisations, including the police, and the purpose—
Mr Seselja: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, the question is a very specific one and he is nowhere near it. It is: what are the terms of reference for the risk assessment?
MR SPEAKER: Minister Bourke, if you can come to the specific question in the time you have remaining.
DR BOURKE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I do have 3½ minutes left. The terms of reference were to report back on schools with regard to knives and sharp objects.
Mr Hanson: Really?
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, your supplementary question.
MR HANSON: I do not quite know where to go from there. Minister, what is the date on which you asked for that risk assessment?
DR BOURKE: That is a particularly specific question. As I recall, it was either 21 or 22 February.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, a supplementary.
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