Page 3625 - Week 08 - Friday, 24 August 2012
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However, I must acknowledge the good that has been part of the CIT story and the good that has come from this particularly dark part of CIT’s history. It is my hope that the CIT will emerge as a model workplace as a result of the WorkSafe improvement notice. I am glad to hear from both staff and management that that cultural shift has started, because a cultural shift is needed for lasting positive change to take place. Of course, part of that cultural shift is not to ignore or brush aside complaints of this nature.
The Greens are focused on improving workplace culture in the ACT to try to address problems with workplace psycho-social issues. We introduced the work health and safety bill, legislation that would have ensured that WorkSafe employed inspectors with expertise in workplace bullying to be part of the WorkSafe team. It was unfortunate that both the Canberra Liberals and the government did not support that move. We think it is a priority to address workplace bullying, and we remain committed to clear procedures that support staff to take up issues of bullying or any other OH&S issues in their workplaces.
It is positive to see an increased focus on supporting students with a disability to engage with further education, a move which echoes the Greens’ calls recently, and I put out a discussion paper on post-school options. CIT is part of the picture and the solution in this area. It is also my understanding that the government is responding to a budget submission from CIT management, and I acknowledge the minister for prioritising this funding in the midst of what was quite a constrained ACT budget. However, it is only a small step, and the ACT Greens see an opportunity for much greater student support services and education integration.
As always, it remains to be seen if the $3.2 million allocation will increase the participation of people with disability and answer the significant increase in demand we are seeing for year 12 programs at CIT. I hope the two additional positions are able to work in a collaborative way with various programs, and I hope also that the government will undertake some genuine consultation with existing disability support and advocacy groups to best identify the types of equipment, ICT upgrades and specialist materials that will make a real, practical and positive difference for students.
The national partnership on skills reforms represents some fundamental changes to the vocational and higher education sectors. These reforms, if properly considered in light of the unique circumstances of the ACT, will offer increased opportunities for all students, but particularly those students from a lower socioeconomic background. However, we need to approach these opportunities with some caution, and the ACT Greens will ensure that the government engages in proper consultation around these matters.
It is vital for the future of CIT that there is collaboration and partnership with all relevant stakeholders—that is, schools and universities, private registered training organisations, government and non-government services and local businesses. We cannot afford to ignore the role we have to play in the capital region or the possibilities of the international education market. The Greens know that when agencies in the ACT take advantage of existing relationships, everybody wins. The
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