Page 618 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
accept that he has at least understood it in a way he wishes to. Dr Bourke, the question, thank you.
DR BOURKE: To inject a bit of grounding into this line of questioning from the Canberra Liberals—
Mr Coe interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mr Coe!
DR BOURKE: I would like to point out that a number of leaders across the sector have been reported to have either praised or agreed in principle to the Gonski review.
Mrs Dunne: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, the question was: would the government use the Gonski review to increase control over how the Catholic Education Office used and distributed its money? It is a very direct question and Minister Bourke has failed to answer the question. He is talking about what national identities might say about it. It is a very direct question. You should call him to answer the question that was directly asked.
MR SPEAKER: On the point of order, I am aware that Dr Bourke has some time left. Given the size of this issue, I think there is some latitude for him to at least provide some context. But, Dr Bourke, remember to use your time to come to the question, thank you.
DR BOURKE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. We will be working across the sector to get the best possible outcome for all ACT children.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, a supplementary.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, will the ACT Labor government use the Gonski review to alter in any way the amount of money provided to Catholic and non-government schools?
DR BOURKE: Mr Speaker, the question is ridiculous because the review has not been implemented by the commonwealth. We have not had the consultation with the commonwealth which has been suggested, directed by Minister Garrett, to work out how we are going to implement the review. Therefore the question is meaningless.
MRS DUNNE: A supplementary question, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mrs Dunne.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, will the ACT government use the cover of the Gonski review to impose any other conditions on the rate or quantum or distribution of money provided to Catholic and non-government schools in the ACT?
DR BOURKE: Mr Speaker, I do not think they understand it is a review; it is not policy. So how can we use anything with it? So the answer to your question is no.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video