Page 4545 - Week 12 - Thursday, 15 October 2009
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That this bill be agreed to in principle.
Today I am introducing the Education (Participation) Amendment Bill 2009. This legislative change implements the government’s “learn or earn” policy. It is the result of extensive consultations on how to increase young people’s engagement in education and training in the ACT. It also meets our national obligations under the youth compact and the youth attainment and transitions national partnership. But this bill goes further. It fundamentally changes how we define education in the territory.
Labor does not believe in determinism. Labor does not believe that a child’s socioeconomic background determines their ability. It does not determine a child’s achievements. It does not determine their future. That is why Labor places such faith in education as a revolutionary force for change. Education transforms our economy and our society. But it does more than that. Education provides the opportunity for each individual to reach their full potential.
The challenge is for our schools, our vocational education providers and our universities to transform universal opportunity into universal outcomes for each and every student, because Labor will have no-one left behind. Everybody learns. And there are no excuses—not for students, not for teachers, not for parents and not for governments. It is time for everyone in our community to stand up and take responsibility for all young people.
There are problems which students and families face; we will not ignore those problems. But they are not an excuse for inaction. They are not an excuse for doing nothing, for waiting for a break or for blaming others. This is why every young person in the ACT will be learning or earning.
These amendments fundamentally alter how we view education in the territory. They do more than just broaden the definition. These amendments will transform how we deliver education and training to our young people. Our young people will have more choice and more flexibility in their education. In return, every young person will stand up, take responsibility and be learning or earning.
This bill will amend the Education Act 2004 to create a requirement for all children and young people to participate in education until they attain a year 10 or equivalent qualification. After year 10 is completed, the bill will require full-time participation in education, training or employment, or a combination of these activities, until a young person turns 17 or completes year 12.
The bill gives a broad interpretation to the term “education”. First, the existing definition of “compulsory school age”, which is currently “at least six years old and under 15 years old”, will be replaced. A “compulsory education age” will be introduced. This period lasts from when the child is at least six years old until the child completes year 12 or reaches 17, whichever occurs first. To participate “full time in education, training or employment” after year 10, until the age of 17, is defined as at least 25 hours per week.
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