Page 619 - Week 02 - Thursday, 14 February 2013
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that both these schools have been delivered to the Canberra community on time and under budget. Given this fantastic result for the community of Gungahlin, I would like to take time to congratulate and thank the staff of the Bonner and Franklin schools, the Education and Training Directorate, and the building contractors who have brought us these two fantastic community facilities.
The first stage of both Neville Bonner primary and Franklin early childhood schools opened on Monday, 4 February, on the first day of the 2013 school year, as planned and as promised. It was planned from the outset that these schools would be delivered in two stages. It was a very exciting day to be at Franklin Early Childhood School to see the many excited and slightly nervous faces—not just on the faces of children; there were many parents who had a level of anxiety as well. I would like to place on record my sincere thanks and appreciation to the principal, Julie Cooper, and her staff for hosting me that morning and allowing me to join in that very exciting and happy event.
The first stage of Neville Bonner Primary School comprises school administration, preschool, kindergarten, year 1 and year 2 facilities and associated external areas, including car parking, play equipment and landscaping. The second stage is scheduled for completion later this year, with a targeted handover for the school in term 2.
I also think it is useful, given the events of yesterday and the passage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill through the House of Representatives, to reflect on the name of the Neville Bonner Primary School, it being named after the first Indigenous member of the Australian parliament. Given its namesake, it is important to recognise that the school includes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learning and cultural centre.
In relation to stage 1 of the Franklin Early Childhood School facilities, these include, in addition to the childcare centre, preschool playrooms and an adjoining external play area, landscaping and car parks. Stage 2 facilities will include the kindergarten and year 1 and 2 classrooms, administration, a library, a canteen, a hall and the remaining external areas. All works will be completed by the end of March. The project is ahead of schedule.
The ACT Labor government is providing funding of $60 million over three years for the construction of Neville Bonner Primary School, and current forecasts indicate that the project is under budget. In relation to the Franklin Early Childhood School, we provided funding of $42 million over three years, and it too will come in under budget. To deliver both these projects on time and under budget is an important achievement and I would like to congratulate all involved in the project for their tremendous work in delivering such wonderful, fantastic schools for future generations.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, what benefits will ACT schools see from the successful delivery of these projects?
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