Page 861 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 March 1990
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cannot recall the full text of the question, but I believe he was asking about the Teachers Federation's wage case and I do not have the full details of that. That is a matter for negotiation at the present time between the department and the federation. I will happily supply further details to the member.
MR WOOD: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Is the Minister aware of recent Commonwealth initiatives in this area and of major educational publications that detail the importance of highly trained teachers? Can he assure the Assembly that he will give due recognition to the need for higher salaries for teachers?
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I can give that assurance. I do fully acknowledge the need for ACT teachers and teachers generally, I might say, to receive better pay and conditions. I administer two areas of the administration and I notice a very distinct difference between the positions of nurses and teachers.
I believe teachers are at a significant disadvantage with respect to their peers in the community and it is for that reason, among others, that the Government has been looking at a number of issues that will free up funds within the education system to meet needs of that kind. Details of those will be available, I understand, on Thursday, when the Chief Minister makes his statement.
Health Promotion Fund
MR BERRY: My question is to the Chief Minister. I draw attention to the answer given by Mr Humphries just a little while ago about the Health Promotion Fund and his reference to the requirement for legislation. Can the Chief Minister explain why no legislation of that order appears in the legislative program of the Government which was provided to the Opposition? In the absence of that legislation, can the Assembly expect that patronage and favouritism will continue to apply in respect of grants?
MR SPEAKER: Order. I ask you to withdraw that, Mr Berry. That is an imputation on behalf of the Government.
A member: Shame!
MR BERRY: I asked the question.
MR SPEAKER: No, it is an imputation. The wording of the question was an imputation.
Mr Jensen: Point of order, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: I would ask you to withdraw that, please, Mr Berry.
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