Page 517 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 20 February 2019
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the communication they want or, frankly, deserve. I completely understand the fear and anxiety that parents will be feeling, particularly if it does not seem as though changes are being made. Direct and regular engagement with parents is important, to ensure that their voices are listened to and to give them confidence that the safety of their children is a priority.
Madam Deputy Speaker, having reflected on these three key strategies, it seems clear to me that we have a path forward for addressing violence in ACT schools. What we need is not to undertake yet another review but, rather, to ensure we have met the recommendations of the reviews we have already done.
Having been education minister at a time not long after the schools for all report came out, I have read those recommendations in considerable detail. If we are successful in implementing those recommendations, they will make a significant difference to the issues around students with complex needs, which is certainly one source of violence in our schools.
I do believe that the minister and the directorate are committed to those processes, as is the non-government school sector. Given that commitment and the progress we have already seen, the Greens will not be supporting the call for an independent review into these issues.
Every environment comes with some level of risk, but there is an obligation on schools and the directorate to ensure as far as practicable that ACT schools are safe places for their students. We must provide sufficient support and resourcing for our teachers and students in order to reduce violence. This work will also have an impact on improving educational outcomes.
There is more work to do, but I have faith that there are processes currently in place that will make a real lasting and significant difference. We will not be supporting the motion today for a new independent review, but we certainly endorse the spirit of the motion, which is that we must work together—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR RATTENBURY: We must work together to get these outcomes. We cannot come here and play politics around this stuff. I have just articulated my reasons. With the interjections across the chamber, I do not know whether people have actually listened to my comments. I have just articulated really clearly that there is a number of things already in place and our view is that an independent review will not add value to that. What we need to add value to is the work that is already being done.
MS BERRY (Ginninderra—Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for Women) (4.45), by leave: I thank members for giving me the chance to speak again on this issue. I acknowledge the people in the chamber; I recognise some of the faces, and I am sorry for the experiences that you have had.
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