Page 4075 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 26 November 2014
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MR BARR: In terms of the bond issuance numbers, yes, we can provide that information. We tend to go to the market infrequently and for larger amounts. The last issuance was in the order of $400 million or $500 million.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Treasurer, what are the timing issues and values for capital works payments that have led to net debt increasing?
MR BARR: Net debt was scheduled to increase as a result of increased borrowings to finance the territory’s infrastructure program. That was outlined in the budget, so that can hardly be a surprise to those opposite. In the context of the quarterly report, I will provide the Assembly with some further information. I imagine that that detail will be forthcoming in a capital works update that is due in the near future.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Treasurer, is the government anticipating further increases in net debt in the next consolidated financial report? If so, by how much?
MR BARR: Yes; over the course of this fiscal year there will be an increase in net debt as a result of increased borrowings.
Education—parental engagement
MS PORTER: My question is to the minister for education and relates to how we engage with parents in their school community. Minister, can you inform the Assembly about the survey of public school parents announced this month and how this survey will help us better meet the needs of parents and students?
MS BURCH: I thank Ms Porter for her interest in the connection between the education system and Canberra families. We know that children do better when their families are engaged in their learning. That is why one of my priorities as Minister for Education and Training is to put parents and students at the centre of the things that we do.
Active engagement with parents and carers is vital for our students’ success and I want to know what they think of our system. Understanding what families think about their schools and why they choose one school over another is vital to understanding what works and what needs to improve. This is why I have asked the directorate to find out what parents and carers in the public education system think about their children’s schooling and how we engage with them.
Recently I announced a survey of ACT public primary and early childhood school parents to seek their feedback. Among other things, this survey asks parents and carers what is important to them when choosing a school for their child, what type of school parents recommend to other families, and how well our schools communicate with parents. The survey also focuses on the drivers and reasons behind parental choice of school, perceptions of the public and private education systems, and the type of information available regarding the public education system.
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