Page 4795 - Week 13 - Thursday, 28 November 2019
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MR WALL (Brindabella) (4.45): I seek leave to move amendment No 1 circulated in Ms Lee’s name.
Leave granted.
MR WALL: I move Ms Lee’s amendment No 1 to Ms Berry’s amendment No 9 [see schedule 2 at page 4836].
This amendment to the bill is relatively self-explanatory. It makes it clear that, during the period between receiving the application for home education registration until a decision is made by the director-general and that decision is communicated to the parents, children and parents will be exempted from any penalties for not attending school. This amendment clarifies and makes abundantly clear a significant concern within the community that the bill as drafted may restrict the options of parents to have their child removed from their existing educational setting at short notice.
Ms Lee’s office has had discussions with the minister’s office and Mr Rattenbury’s office on this matter. We have had this amendment drafted to ensure that we bring the home education community along with us on what are some significant changes to the legislation they operate under and also remove any ambiguity in the interpretation and application of this new provision in the legislation.
Before I conclude my remarks, on behalf of Ms Lee and her office, and on behalf of my office and me, when I had the portfolio back in 2017, may I convey my thanks to both those who have turned up in the gallery today to see the passage of this legislation and the many more in the community who have played a significant role in making sure that this legislation arrived at the best possible solution for those who choose home education as an option for their children. With that, I commend my amendment to the Assembly.
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong) (4.47): The Greens will be supporting the amendment moved by Mr Wall today. We believe that proposed new subsection (6) makes it crystal clear that students and parents do not fall foul of the Education Act’s compulsory engagement with education while awaiting a response from the directorate. New clause 131(7) places a positive burden on the director-general to make a decision to accept or reject an application within 28 days of receipt. We are happy to support both of these items.
While I am on my feet, I think it was implicit in my earlier comments, but I also indicate our support for the range of amendments that have been moved by Ms Berry.
MS BERRY (Ginninderra—Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for Women) (4.48): The government will support Ms Lee’s amendment to government amendment No 9.
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