Page 2825 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 16 August 2017
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Even now, the government is putting these values into action with our commitment to deliver a safe and inclusive schools program. This program is still being reviewed and developed by SHFPACT. SHFPACT has also engaged with the non-government school sector. How important will this be as Australia faces an unnecessary, divisive, expensive, non-binding postal opinion poll about the right of all loving relationships to be treated equally?
Students in all schools, irrespective of their religious or philosophical basis, present to schools with diversity in gender identity and presentation, sexual orientation and intersex status. The government is committed to respecting, welcoming and celebrating this diversity. The years children and young people spend at school involve a long process of discovering their own identity and place in the world. Negative experiences during this time will of course affect their feelings of security, belonging and engagement in this world, let alone their education. The government will not allow this to happen. We want everyone to be able to be themselves at school and to feel safe and welcomed for who they are. Our safe and supportive schools program will provide expert advice and support to teachers and school staff so that they can develop and maintain safe, inclusive environments for all children and young people.
These highlights of the ACT government’s work in the education portfolio are just the beginning. Over the years to come, I will continue to deliver on our election commitments and remain focused on providing the best possible outcomes for all our school students in the ACT. Madam Assistant Speaker, I note the shadow spokesperson for education’s amendment to the motion. The government will not be supporting this amendment. The motion that Ms Orr has put forward is far more inclusive. The motion that Mr Wall has put up is not, so we will not be supporting the amendment.
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong) (4.55): The Greens will be supporting this motion today. I take this opportunity to reconfirm our support for public education, needs-based funding and, in particular, safe schools. Having formerly held the portfolio, I know all too well the complexities of school funding across the sectors. I applaud Minister Berry and the ACT government for the ongoing strident commitment to genuine needs-based funding.
The Greens believe that high quality, free and equitable education is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, as I have told this chamber before, and is fundamental to Australia’s continued prosperity and that everyone should have equitable access to education that meets their needs and aspirations and gives them the skills and capacity to meaningfully participate in society. As Mrs Orr’s motion does, we also recognise that learning is a lifelong process, from early childhood through adult life, fostered in both formal and informal settings. The Greens have long recognised that we have to address the academic achievement gaps associated with socio-economic background if we are to truly address lifelong disadvantage.
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