Page 1831 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 1 May 1991
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MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, as I have said many times in the past in this place in response to suggestions about what my colleagues are saying elsewhere, I will wait until I hear it from the horse's mouth before I take it as read that, in fact, Mr Collaery did say that. I certainly discussed the matter of airborne lead levels with my colleague the Minister for Urban Services before I spoke to the media. I am sure that if there is some problem with communication it can be worked out, but I do not think there is a problem with communication.
North Ainslie Primary School and Preschool
MS MAHER: Mr Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister for Health, Education and the Arts. Minister, what has been the level of support amongst parents and staff for the collocation of North Ainslie Preschool with North Ainslie Primary School?
MR HUMPHRIES: I thank Ms Maher for that question. Of course, her question reminds the Assembly that North Ainslie Preschool was the first of six collocations that the Government announced towards the end of last year.
Mr Berry: Six closures, you mean.
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Berry says "Six closures". He forgets that his colleagues sitting with him have supported the concept of collocation of preschools. Before he gets too worked up, he would be better to talk to Mr Wood and Mr Connolly.
Mr Wood: In certain circumstances, let us say.
MR HUMPHRIES: In certain circumstances collocation is all right. So, be careful, Mr Berry. Talk to your colleagues; talk to your leader. Find out what the line is before you run any lines that do not quite make sense.
The fact is that there has been no significant opposition to the idea of collocation. In fact, I have had not one single letter that I can recall saying, "My preschool should not be collocated". I have had support from your colleagues on that side of the chamber for the idea of collocation as a way of saving money in preschool education. So I think, Mr Berry, you have shot from the mouth without thinking. You did not think before you made those comments and you will probably find yourself hauled over the coals by your colleagues in your party room later on today.
North Ainslie Preschool commenced operations from its new site at North Ainslie on Wednesday, 10 April. The preschool facilities are separate from the primary school.
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