Page 3612 - Week 08 - Friday, 24 August 2012
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working on multiple local frameworks towards better education outcomes for disengaged students and students with a disability and the rollout of the national curriculum. It is important to pause for a minute and reflect on the increased and ever-increasing demands we are asking from the education workforce and consider that in many areas there has not been much time to stop and catch a breath in the current environment. I acknowledge and congratulate all the staff, in particular those who have been tasked with overseeing the many positive programs and initiatives that fall under the ACT youth commitment.
It is somewhat concerning then to calculate the efficiency dividends expected from the directorate and the CIT that of course we will come to later. And I will be seeking assurances that genuine consultation and discussions will take place before any cuts are decided on.
There appear to be very modest increases to actual classroom activities and education outcomes for children and young people. It is disappointing that there has not been a significant increase in funding for the excellence and enterprise advance in public schools of distinction framework in particular, with only $100,000 extra for implementation. The Greens consider school funding to be a valuable investment in the future, and this budget falls somewhat short in terms of that investment.
The Greens have long called for better data collection regarding the government’s commitment to carbon neutral schools by 2017, and it is pleasing to see that these calls have been partially heeded, with the announcement of new monitoring systems in public schools. We also welcome the increased funding to make our schools greener, through practical measures such as improved lighting efficiency and thermal resistant glass. However, there needs to be more transparency from the government in regard to future reporting against these targets. It is disappointing that there is no published strategy, no apparent stage 2, no time lines or clear reporting mechanisms.
There have also been difficulties that have been outside the government’s control in relation to building and infrastructure. I was happy to hear that the government had managed to avoid any significant delays to the new Bonner primary school project after the collapse of St Hilliers, and I commend the government on ensuring that contractors and subcontractors were looked after.
I welcome the funding allocated to the operational costs for the Franklin early childhood school. The Greens are fully supportive of increased access to early childhood education. I hope that the funding will ensure the integrated service delivery model is fully implemented and I look forward to seeing progress on the recommendations of the Auditor-General’s recent report.
The project to remove asbestos-containing materials, upgrade and replace core infrastructure at Taylor primary school is essential work, and I congratulate the minister and the directorate staff on the communication strategy in regard to the issues around the school and the asbestos removal. There was some good communication and ongoing communication with the families involved. It is a shame that communications with other stakeholders regarding education issues have not always received that same attention.
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