Page 1345 - Week 07 - Thursday, 24 August 1989

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today at Bruce Stadium there was a decision that the teachers boycott the public education night on 6 July. I rather regret that the federation has taken that decision. In my discussions with the federation next week I will be urging them to reconsider that particular aspect of their decision at today's stop-work meeting at Bruce Stadium.

The public education night is a parent and teacher night, essentially. It is a celebration. It is not new. Earlier today there was some suggestion that the Government was taking the credit for achievements which in fact were initiated by the previous Government, and I unashamedly acknowledge that this particular activity has been in place for quite a period of time and it is something that the schools, the children and the parents look forward to and enjoy - and indeed the Minister, because I am proud of our education system and I am proud to be the Minister responsible for our education system.

I cannot answer that part of the question which relates to the actual cost of the evening but I can assure you that when this Assembly next meets, which will be after that celebration, I will give you a comprehensive list of the people who were invited to attend and how much the conduct of the evening cost. There is nothing sinister about that, and it will be a pleasure to respond. But I am sorry that I cannot give it to you now.

Vietnam Memorial

MR JENSEN: My question is directed to the Chief Minister. I refer the Chief Minister to recent publicity by the Australian Vietnam Forces Memorial Committee that they have reached the halfway point in their appeal and that all State governments have contributed to the appeal. Will the Chief Minister advise the Assembly whether she is giving active consideration to providing a modest contribution to the memorial on behalf of the ACT community?

MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Jensen for the question. I do not have any information with me on that matter, but if the question is whether I will give active consideration to such a donation the answer most certainly is yes. It would be certainly in keeping for the ACT Government to consider the matter of whether we want to join with other States in contributing to such a memorial, and I undertake to do that.

MR JENSEN: I ask a supplementary question. Has the Chief Minister received a letter from the Australian Vietnam Forces Memorial Committee in relation to this particular matter?

MS FOLLETT: I am unable to answer that. I receive an awful lot of letters. If I were to rely on my memory, I think it would be a mistake. I will certainly look into


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