Page 3398 - Week 10 - Thursday, 19 October 2006

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(1) Individual schools are responsible for recording and monitoring attendance of all students. The central office of the Department of Education and Training does not routinely collate the data requested by Mrs Burke. Available data relating to the above question has been provided in the Performance in Indigenous Education report tabled in the Legislative Assembly. The most recent report is available at http://www.det.act.gov.au/publicat/pdf/indig_education_report_aug2005.pdf

(2) See above.

(3) See above.

Schools—closures
(Question No 1309)

Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Education and Training, upon notice, on 21 September 2006:

(1) On what dates did the Minister and/or the Chief Minister conduct meetings with representatives of the ACT indigenous community on the impact of school closures;

(2) If meetings occurred, what information by way of plans or briefing materials were provided to representatives of the indigenous community that considered the needs of indigenous students as a result of any school closures in the ACT;

(3) What reference is made in the Towards 2020: Renewing Our Schools report that indicates specific plans to address the needs of indigenous students.

Mr Barr: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) The Chief Minister, the Department and I have been involved in over 550 individual meetings with groups and representatives to discuss the proposal.

Indigenous families are full members of our school communities and have the same right and opportunity to participate in discussions about the Towards 2020 proposal. There are Indigenous students in all but two ACT government schools.

I also met with the Indigenous Education Unit on 14 June 2006. I will be meeting with the Indigenous Education Consultative Body (IECB) on 2 November 2006. In addition, Departmental representatives met with the IECB on 19 October 2006.

(2) As with all students who may be affected by the Towards 2020 proposal, Indigenous students and their families will be offered transition planning to ensure their educational, social and financial needs are identified. For low income families, assistance with transport is available through the Free School Bus pass program.

(3) None.

Schools—closures
(Question No 1310)

Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Education and Training, upon notice, on 21 September 2006:


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