Page 473 - Week 02 - Thursday, 22 February 1990
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in the schools' curriculum and that is in line with the environment policy which was launched a few weeks ago by Mr Jensen. This draft policy is being distributed as a consultative document for comment by senior departmental officers, other Government agencies and environmental organisations.
In conjunction with the draft policy, a working group will commence shortly to develop an environmental education curriculum statement to assist schools to incorporate environmental education as an integral component of all subject areas from preschool to year 12. Both the Birrigai Outdoor School and the Dairy Flat Education Centre offer intensive environmental programs, as members are aware. These special programs are, of course, important, but it is vital that students learn to care for their environment not just on days they visit those centres but at all times.
To this end the environment is also a major theme of three separate curriculum frameworks already provided to assist teachers and schools in developing their own programs - that is, social, education and science and technology. Most schools and colleges already have innovative extracurricular activities such as environmental clubs, revegetation and propagation projects, the waste watch project at some North Belconnen schools, and the Children of the Green Earth Club at Hughes Primary School.
Some schools have developed their own environmental and recycling centres. Dr Kinloch mentioned Jacques Cousteau's visit to Telopea Park school yesterday. I was very privileged to be there, and I must say that the level of environmental awareness among the children at that school was very high. I hope that, through these policies, we can encourage that for all children of the ACT.
ACT Risk Insurance
MR WOOD: I direct a question to the Chief Minister, and refer him to an article in the Canberra Times of 5 December 1989 which raises concerns attributed to the Chief Minister that the ACT was inadequately insured. As Treasurer, what is your current position in relation to that matter?
MR KAINE: The question of insurance is under investigation and consideration by the Government. There appears to be a strong case for arguing that the Territory and its budget are really too small to carry the ACT's own insurance as most governments do. The areas of insurance in which the Government might need to be covered to indemnify itself against major risk are being identified. As each of them is identified, the Government will consider them and consider what action, if any, it should take to ensure that in the case of any major disaster involving liability on the part of the Government, we have the capacity to pay it.
MR WOOD: I ask a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. You said there is a strong case being presented. Will you tell the Assembly who is presenting the strong case? Is it the insurance industry?
MR KAINE: Well, the case was presented to the previous Government, Mr Wood. Perhaps you should ask the previous Treasurer who presented it and what it said.
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