Page 52 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 25 February 2014
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Mr Hanson: I do. The question very specifically asked whether the minister had conducted an audit in accordance with the AEU’s request and asked the minister to clarify whether she has indeed conducted an audit or not.
MADAM SPEAKER: On the point of order, I uphold the point of order and ask the minister to be directly relevant, to answer the question in relation to the audit.
MS BURCH: Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is my view that there was no need to conduct an audit at the request of the union because, as I have said, we have faith in the executive and the principals of our schools to make sure they do the best for students. It is only a small, short period of time when those extreme weather conditions are felt. As we move through upgrades and rebuilds of our schools, we make sure that we put in as much environmental control as we can in the built form.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, are AEU classroom temperature guidelines of between 17 and 30 degrees taken into consideration when classroom designs are being considered for ACT schools?
MS BURCH: I would have to take some advice on that, on whether every position that the union has is replicated across our own internal guidelines. But the point to be made is that the union raised this in quite extreme weather conditions. I caught the interview of our director-general in responding to that, and I think she answered it well; that is, we have faith in our teachers; there are cool areas within a school for those extreme conditions; and it is on a school by school basis. If you go to the new Bonner, for example, it rates up to a five or six-star building, which is very different from an older built form. So as we move through these upgrades, it is important that we do an environmental design that accommodates and improves the amenity within the school. Can I also proudly say that we have a position that our schools will be carbon neutral by 2020, which is a good position to have.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Minister, how many ACT government schools are at risk of not meeting acceptable heating and cooling standards at present?
MS BURCH: I have confidence that all my schools provide a good public amenity for their students.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Minister, what protocols are in place for students if classroom temperatures fall outside the AEU guideline range?
MS BURCH: There are a range of guidelines and supporting policies within a school to make sure that the amenity and safety of students are kept at all times.
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