Page 1263 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 11 May 2021

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the public sector contributes is somehow inefficient, bad or unworthy and that only the private sector can deliver service outcomes efficiently. In the 15 years I have spent in this place I have been lectured almost to the point of tedium by members opposite on the inefficiency of public services, who spend most of their time bagging the public sector—

Opposition members interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: Members, enough!

Mr Hanson interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, no more!

MR BARR: which is a curious political strategy in the jurisdiction with the strongest public sector in Australia. Nevertheless, long may you continue with your deeply held philosophical views against the public sector in the ACT.

Schools—enrolments

MR PARTON: My question is to the minister for education: currently government schools in the inner north and south of Canberra are facing larger enrolments. With continued urban infill and the possibility of Catholic school closures, does the government have plans to build or reopen former public schools in the area?

MS BERRY: No, not at this stage. A lot of the schools that were changed from education facilities to community facilities—even more than 30 years ago before self-government—are still being used by organisations to provide various supports to the ACT community.

Hr Hanson interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, You are warned now. I did try and get through the day without doing that!

MS BERRY: I can see his mouth moving, but I can’t quite hear what he is saying.

Members interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: Members, the minister is answering a question, not interjections.

MS BERRY: I have answered the question—not at this stage. They are being fully utilised by community support organisations, and that’s important for our community as well.

MR PARTON: Minister, is there a limit to the size the current primary schools will be allowed to reach?


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