Page 3108 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 12 September 1990

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SOCIAL POLICY - STANDING COMMITTEE

Reference

MR STEVENSON (11.16): Mr Speaker, I move:

That:

(1) the following matter be referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy for inquiry and report by 20 November 1990: the financial operations of the ACT school system with particular reference to:

(a) staffing levels;

(b) work practices;

(d) optimum allocation of responsibilities between local schools and centralised administration;

(e) the need for school closures; and

(f) any other matters the Committee may consider relevant; and

(2) the Assembly is of the opinion that there be a moratorium on school closures and decisions on school closures until 20 November 1990.

Mr Speaker, my motion is for an inquiry into school closures and a moratorium until that time. A moratorium is simply delaying. I feel that this matter would warrant further consultation. What is it that I feel there should be further consultation about? It is about neighbourhood schools - the principle. Granted, people in Canberra have been well looked after, as far as schools go, by the Federal Government. However, they accept the principle of neighbourhood schools and are entitled to have a say on any change - in other words, to have a say on what their money is spent on.

It could well be said that neighbourhood schools are the heart of a community, perhaps along with the church, scout hall, and some other community groups. What I am calling for is further consultation. Regardless of the consultation that has previously been held, there is absolutely no doubt that the citizens of Canberra feel that there has not been adequate consultation, that there has not been a fair looking at the possibilities other than school closures.

There is no doubt that this is perhaps the most divisive subject that has come before this Assembly. We are surveying the considerations of people in Canberra on many issues, one being school closures. Over 70 per cent do not agree with the proposal by the Alliance Government on school closures.

Mr Humphries: Where do you get that from?

MR STEVENSON: From surveying regularly around Canberra shopping centres. You can have a look if you like, Gary.

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