Page 1622 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 12 May 2015

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MADAM SPEAKER: I think that we cannot be too precious. Standing orders 54 and 55 talk about offensive words, improper motives and personal reflections. I really think that “slow” may not be the nicest thing but I am very reluctant to rule everything unparliamentary because we will end up with some extremely anodyne debate and you will not like it. I remind people that they should be mindful of their words and it is a great skill of a debater to be able to say these things in a way that does not attract points of order. But I will let that one go.

MR CORBELL: The context of his question really highlights to me that perhaps he is a bit slow, because in February—

MADAM SPEAKER: Do not press your luck, Mr Corbell.

MR CORBELL: last year the then minister told this place that the University of Canberra public hospital would comprise 140 overnight in-patient beds and 75 day places. That was a year ago and the Leader of the Opposition has said nothing about it. Further, in answer to a question taken during the annual reports committee process, which is dated 26 March 2013, he was told that there would be 166 overnight in-patient beds out of approximately 200 beds. (Time expired.)

Opposition members interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition and Mr Smyth, come to order.

Schools—Coombs primary school

MS PORTER: My question is to the Minister for Education and Training. Minister, in November last year you turned the first sod for construction of the new Coombs school. Can you provide an update to the Assembly on the progress of construction?

MS BURCH: I thank Ms Porter for her question. I am very pleased to be able to update this Assembly on progress with the delivery of the new school at Coombs in the Molonglo valley. I think it demonstrates the commitment that this government has in investing in public education across our city.

As I have previously informed this Assembly, Coombs primary school will be the first school in the new Molonglo valley development. It will cater for around 720 preschool and primary school students and will open for the next school year. Construction funding of $47.25 million was provided in the 2013-14 budget, which honoured the election commitment made by the government to build the Coombs primary school.

Coombs primary school will comprise seven buildings, including four buildings providing learning spaces for preschool to year 6 students. The school will also have a multipurpose resource centre, a school administration building and a larger school gymnasium and canteen building, as well as outdoor learning and play areas. Out-of-hours school facilities will also be available for use by the community.


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