Page 5120 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 28 November 2017
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MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Parton for his supplementary question. Of course, government resources are limited. There is a tax base, and we need to make decisions about how we spend our resources across the community, including in the community sector. As I said in response to the previous question, we have continued to increase the resources that are available to the community sector. We do that in conversation with the community sector about priorities, and that is a conversation that we are continually engaged in.
Environment—Mugga, Isaacs and Tralee
MS LEE: My question is to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. Minister, what work is being undertaken along the wildlife corridor linking Mugga, Isaacs reserve and Tralee; what is the purpose of that work; and who is undertaking the work?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Lee for her interest in the environment across the ACT. Of course our directorate does quite a bit of work across the ACT in ensuring the best environmental outcomes. My understanding is that that work is to do with the associated burns near the environmental centre at Symonston. We are looking at ensuring that we have the best outcomes for native species, native grasses, around that area. In relation to the detail on that, I will have to take that on notice and come back to the chamber.
MS LEE: Minister, has an EIS been prepared for that work and if not, why not?
MR GENTLEMAN: I will have to take that on notice.
MS LAWDER: What consultation has been undertaken with local leaseholders and others in the vicinity of Hume and dog trap gully?
MR GENTLEMAN: Again I will have to take that detail on notice.
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders—education
MR MILLIGAN: My question is to the minister for education. Minister, in the last sitting in this place, you said in relation to Indigenous education that the government was now working with the community “to improve on all the work the ACT government has done within ACT schools over the last decade”. You then went on to blame the federal government’s funding cuts for your government’s failures.
Minister, your government has been in power in the ACT for the past 16 years, including six years when the Labor Party was in government federally. In those 16 years, your government’s failure in Indigenous education has been endemic, evidenced by failing NAPLAN results and continuing poor attendance and retention levels. Minister, why are you blaming someone else for your government’s failings in Indigenous education over the past 16 years?
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