Page 1039 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 19 March 2013
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This government will continue to support our non-government sector while at the same time ensuring that our government school sector is strong, supported and continues to provide high-quality education.
MADAM ACTING SPEAKER: A supplementary, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Can the minister explain to us, during all the functions that she attended during Catholic Schools Week, how she managed to explain away the fact that this government has been and still is the lowest funding government of any jurisdiction in Australia?
MS BURCH: In response to that question, I do ask those opposite how they went to all the events and held their heads high when they have historic lows in their funding. This is a government that has invested 80 per cent off the base that they left. And those opposite question our commitment to supporting Catholic schools and independent schools based on need! We have a history of investment, and a clear commitment through the ACT election to continue to invest in Catholic and non-government schools. That is in absolute contrast to those opposite, who left this place with historic lows in funding.
MADAM ACTING SPEAKER: A supplementary, Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: Minister, what engagement have you had with the non-government sector concerning their needs and priorities?
MS BURCH: I thank Mr Gentleman for his question. Since becoming Minister for Education and Training, I have enjoyed working with the many dedicated and professional people in our non-government sector. They play a very important role in our educational landscape here in the ACT. I do meet regularly with representatives of the sector. I have recently met with Catholic education—indeed, this month—to discuss their needs. Also I value the advice provided to me by the Non-government Schools Education Council, which includes representatives of independent schools, Catholic independent schools, Catholic systemic schools, as well as community members.
My engagement with the council through communication with the chair of the council and receiving their submissions gives me an insight into the needs and priorities of the non-government education sector.
I have made a very clear commitment that in a fortnight I will visit a government school but I will also visit a Catholic and independent school. I have visited a number and I will continue to visit them as I can. Neither hell nor high water will stop me from making that commitment because it is important that I go out and see all schools. It is the mums and dads in our community that are making choices about where they send their kids to school. We as a government have a responsibility to make sure that our investment is based on needs, and that we have a good quality, strong government system in place. It is also about having a strong regard for the independent schools.
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