Page 4680 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 20 October 2010
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In response to feedback received during the consultation period and the continued work of the department to find alternative ways to make efficiencies, the final staffing structure includes changes to some of the proposals outlined in the initial paper. Importantly, resources allocated directly to schools for support in areas such as disability, English as a second language, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, counselling and pastoral care have not changed.
The department’s final position and staffing structure have been circulated to staff. Changes to proposals in the initial consultation paper have been made through a range of ideas brought forward by staff and stakeholders during the consultation. Further savings have been identified in areas such as the use of consultants and contractors, the administration of travel and accommodation allowances, room hire costs and stationery purchases.
An important contribution to the efficiency dividend will also be achieved through a further rationalisation of the department’s vehicle fleet. These new contributions will ensure that the department is able to meet its efficiency dividend for the 2010-11 financial year.
A key focus for the department will be on supporting staff affected by the changes and the quality teaching staff that will be transitioning from central office into schools. I am advised that the department has received positive feedback from the CPSU and individual staff for the way they have worked with individual staff potentially affected by the ED review.
There is a broader picture here. In the last five years the number of students accessing disability programs in ACT public schools has increased by over 12 per cent. But unfortunately, just like any area of government service, resources available are not unlimited. There has been new funding allocated in the most recent budget and more funding will be allocated in future budgets. However, in this area of education, as in all areas, we must review what we are doing to ensure that we get the best result for taxpayers and the best result in terms of educational outcomes for all students. An efficiency dividend is a small part of achieving this.
As education minister, I am committed to ensuring every child in the ACT gets the best education possible. I and the department are working with the community, parent groups, education professionals and industry to look at how we can ensure the education system continues to meet the needs of students in a changing world.
I would like to take this opportunity this morning to give a brief snapshot of the many reforms we are implementing and exploring for the benefit of students. Just a few months ago I announced that the government’s investment in education would increase by $59.5 million. This includes $32 million in new recurrent funding and $27 million in capital investment as part of the 2010-11 budget. That includes funding for more new schools, productivity places and skills, a national partnership initiative, the establishment of an ACT teacher quality institute, $1.6 million in additional funding to support students with a disability, $1.1 million to support our earn or learn policy—again another national partnership with the commonwealth—$600,000 for
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