Page 621 - Week 02 - Thursday, 20 February 2020
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MS BERRY: That is not a figure that I have in front of me at the moment. I will see if I can get the difference between a psychologist’s pay and a chaplain’s wages.
MS CODY: Minister, what else is the government doing to support children and those who are vulnerable in our ACT government schools?
MS BERRY: There is significant work happening across ACT government schools, particularly with the introduction and rollout of the positive behaviours for learning, which is a culture change program that has been rolled out across all of our schools. This is an evidence-based program that is about making sure that our schools are safe and supportive for every student, regardless of where they come from, regardless of their sexual identity, regardless of their background, to make sure that every child is welcome.
It is about providing specific support to teachers and other professionals in our school communities to ensure that our schools remain inclusive and safe for everyone. This is an evidence-based program, as I said, that has been rolled out in schools in New South Wales, and it has been shown to have a positive influence on a change of culture within schools to make sure that they are respectful and safe for every child.
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders—grants and recipients
MS CODY: My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. Minister, could you please update the Assembly on the recent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship, leadership and cultural grants recipients?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Cody for her question and for her ongoing interest in achieving equitable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship, leadership and cultural grants support fostering community leadership, lifelong learning and strengthening and sharing of cultures.
Today, I was pleased to announce the recipients of the latest round of grants to 10 individuals and one organisation. Successful applicants include a cultural grant for research and study on the repatriation of sacred Ngunnawal items and objects. From this work, the recipient is hoping to create a handbook on repatriation of items of cultural significance from missions and reservations in the region. Cultural grants support individuals and community organisations to run programs and events that promote a wider understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and languages in the ACT.
I am excited to see so many young Canberrans and emerging leaders receive scholarship grants. The grants have gone to students in secondary and higher education. Scholarship recipients include support for year 12 and certificate III in health service assistance, certificate IV in photography and photo imaging, attendance at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, a master’s in public policy, a bachelor’s in communications and media and a bachelor’s in sport and exercise science.
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