Page 922 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019
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examine existing school violence processes, the same processes that have clearly failed the school community for over two years.
It comes then as no surprise that a petition was started by parents who were in the gallery on the day my motion was debated only weeks ago. They were bitterly disappointed before the motion was moved; they were even more disappointed after the motion was defeated. So those same parents started a petition. They have collected over 600 signatures and could have collected more had they not decided to get this to the Assembly this week.
Madam Speaker, the petition simply calls for an independent inquiry into violence in ACT public schools and the handling of those incidents by the Education Directorate. It is straightforward and to the point. I have been asked by more than one media interviewer what the government is trying to hide and what they are trying to avoid by refusing an independent inquiry. I have been asked the same question by parents, teachers and other Canberrans. I do not know, but by avoiding open, transparent, thorough, independent scrutiny, it certainly begs the question.
Today’s petition is just another attempt by parents, perhaps their last resort, to have their voices heard. The minister was apparently overcome during debate on this issue and was, I understand, earnest in her desire to meet with affected parents and to provide reassurances. I urge the minister: be a leader; do the right thing; show respect for these hundreds of parents. The time to act is now. Demonstrate that behind those tears is an understanding and an acknowledgement that something should, that something must, be done. Agree to an independent inquiry where parents, teachers and school communities can have their voices heard.
Being in government for 18 years does not give you carte blanche to ignore the electorate on something as important as a child’s safety, self-esteem and enthusiasm for learning. If the minister’s much referenced future of education conversation is to stand for anything, it should demonstrate genuine consultation and a genuine desire to listen.
The Centre for Independent Studies published a report this week that showed that, more important than additional funding for disadvantaged schools, a safe learning environment, school discipline, direct and explicit instruction, and experienced and autonomous school leadership are the key drivers to improved educational outcomes. This is what all ACT schools should be striving for, but we know that for some reason it is not happening and we need to know why.
I congratulate and thank the parents—some are in the chamber today and many more are watching online—and the teachers who have been so committed to driving change in their schools to create safe learning environments for their children and for future students at their schools. We will continue to advocate for change so that every school in Canberra is the best that it can be to serve the next generation of our future leaders.
MR PARTON (Brindabella) (10.16): I was contacted by a number of the parents involved in that petition who were a little dismayed by what has been announced by the minister. They were a little concerned that their voices would not officially be
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