Page 1126 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 20 March 2013
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MS BURCH: I get out and about and visit a number of schools. I was visiting a school that is not performing well, according to NAPLAN results—Charnwood school. But when you go out there and talk with the parents and with the school community, they recognise the benefit that the numeracy and literacy officer brings to the school. They are seeing results in those students, they are seeing improvements in the classroom, and it is having a very positive effect.
As I have said, Mr Doszpot, NAPLAN is a measure. It is not the only measure. But I will certainly listen to the feedback from the school leadership, the principals and the teachers in schools to see what these investments make. If you talk to the teachers, they recognise the benefits of these field officers, and that is why we will continue to invest in them.
MADAM ACTING SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, this problem was to be addressed with the $12 million allocated for literacy and numeracy field officers. Where and when will this money be spent?
MS BURCH: There are field officers in play across the school education system. As I have indicated, they are in schools that have been identified as additional need. I do not have the list in front of me. The additional investment will go through the budget process. As we go through the budget process we will work with the Education and Training Directorate to identify those schools and apply the investment where the most need is and where we hope to get the greatest gain.
MADAM ACTING SPEAKER: A supplementary, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, how much of the $12 million has been spent to date?
MS BURCH: Of the election commitment or our earlier investment in literacy and numeracy officers?
Mr Smyth: Both.
MS BURCH: With the election commitment, Mr Smyth, that is a process that we are undertaking now. You will start to see us delivering on our election commitments as we go through the budget process.
Canberra Airport
MS BERRY: My question is to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, what does the opening of Virgin’s new lounge at the Canberra Airport mean for our economy and opportunities for the growth of not only Canberra but our region?
MS GALLAGHER: I thank Ms Berry for the question. Yes, it is fantastic to have the new Virgin lounge open at the Canberra Airport as a part of stage 2 of the new terminal within Canberra Airport. The Treasurer and I attended the opening ceremony
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