Page 1735 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MS BURCH: It is quite clear that those opposite do not know how to take your advice and show courtesy and respect and not interject through an answer.
We here had a record investment across the sector in government and non-government schools. The census recognised that. This is the fifth year that we have seen positive growth in enrolments in our public education system here. We not only invest in new schools and the bricks and mortar upgrades to existing schools but we recognise that it is about the quality of the teachers. At the end of the day it is in the classroom where education counts; the effort we are putting in to supporting quality teachers is on record, and we will continue to do that.
Ms Gallagher: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Education—funding
Debate resumed.
MR DOSZPOT (Molonglo) (3.31): In addressing the Chief Minister’s amendments to my motion I have to say that it is very disappointing that this government and their Green coalition partner are not prepared to deliver open and transparent government and accountability and explain to this Assembly and to the Canberra community on what basis they negotiated a better deal for Canberra schools. We know what additional imposts are contained in the Gonski package. We just do not know—
Mr Smyth: On a point of order, Mr Assistant Speaker, Ms Burch just talked about courtesy and paying attention. She has got her back turned and she is talking loudly and laughing. I ask you to bring her to attention.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Gentleman): Thank you, Mr Smyth. I just did that. Mr Doszpot, you have the floor.
MR DOSZPOT: Thank you, Mr Assistant Speaker. I thank Mr Smyth for his courtesy in bringing this to our attention. Minister, we were just pointing out that we know additional imposts are contained in the Gonski package but we just do not know what we are going to get from the federal government to help us meet those additional expenses. If we are to rely on the government to tell us, we will be waiting forever. Our task is to keep this government accountable, and that is what we are doing through this motion this afternoon.
Our motion notes in paragraph (2)(b) that at the COAG meeting in Canberra in April no jurisdiction, including the ACT, was prepared to agree to the multi-billion dollar joint funding agreement and since then only one state has signed up. Quite an innocent, normal statement of fact, Chief Minister. Yet this is the first point you do not agree with and want omitted from our motion.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, direct your comments through the chair, please.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video