Page 1885 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 2 June 2015

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .

---

sought through one education advisory committee—not two structures, as currently exist. In establishing the first topic-specific school education advisory committee, I will be seeking representation from education stakeholders, along with topic experts.

To resolve issues, governments require the ability to harness the expertise that exists in our community. These amendments reflect the flexible arrangements required to continue to build on the excellent education system we currently have, and to gather the expertise to ensure the ACT remains a nation leader in educational outcomes for our students.

I hope that all members here recognise the importance of answering the first question I put in suggesting these amendments: “What type of advice is required to further improve education here in the ACT?” I would reiterate that balanced expert and timely advice is of true benefit to the government, our schools and our students.

I want to thank the members of GSEC and NGSEC, and particularly to thank Mr Craig Curry and Ms Narelle Hargreaves for their participation in GSEC and NGSEC over the years, for being the respective chairs and for managing the work of those committees.

In the discussions about the amendments to this bill over the past 12 months, both Mr Curry and Ms Hargreaves have been supportive of this change and recognise that after more than a decade it is timely to reflect on the best structure and opportunity to provide the minister with timely advice across a range of issues, with a structure that allows different members from different sectors with different backgrounds and expertise to come together to provide a single point of reference and expertise.

I took the opportunity to thank committee members at a small gathering here in the Assembly last week. Over the decade there have been many members of GSEC and NGSEC, and I want to place on record my thanks to current members and past members alike. I also want to thank Education and Training officials for working through these amendments in such a clear way and for presenting them to the Assembly.

I thank all the members who are supportive of this bill and I commend the bill to the Assembly.

Question put:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

The Assembly voted—

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

---

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .