❓ Hon B.M. Scott questions the Minister for Education regarding the policy of voluntary school fees for years 8-10, raising concerns about equity and funding. The Minister defends the policy, citing principal discretion and existing legislation.
AnsweredQoN 368Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
This was a question on notice last week. The minister has said that the State Government will make school fees voluntary for students in years 8 to 10. (1) Is the minister not concerned that this policy will create two classes of students in school? Those students of parents who refuse to pay will not be able to do certain subjects, which include youth theatre, electronics and a number of other popular subjects. (2) The Secondary Principals Association and all principals were in favour of introducing compulsory fees because they believed it would be fairer for all students. Why did the minister not take heed of their advice? (3) Rather than create confusion and division among parents, students and teachers, will the minister and the Government provide the extra estimated $17 million which would cover fees, and distribute that to schools in order for all students to get a fair go? Hon G.T. GIFFARD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(1) Is the minister not concerned that this policy will create two classes of students in school? Those students of parents who refuse to pay will not be able to do certain subjects, which include youth theatre, electronics and a number of other popular subjects. (2) The Secondary Principals Association and all principals were in favour of introducing compulsory fees because they believed it would be fairer for all students. Why did the minister not take heed of their advice? (3) Rather than create confusion and division among parents, students and teachers, will the minister and the Government provide the extra estimated $17 million which would cover fees, and distribute that to schools in order for all students to get a fair go? Hon G.T. GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(2) The Secondary Principals Association and all principals were in favour of introducing compulsory fees because they believed it would be fairer for all students. Why did the minister not take heed of their advice? (3) Rather than create confusion and division among parents, students and teachers, will the minister and the Government provide the extra estimated $17 million which would cover fees, and distribute that to schools in order for all students to get a fair go? Hon G.T. GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(3) Rather than create confusion and division among parents, students and teachers, will the minister and the Government provide the extra estimated $17 million which would cover fees, and distribute that to schools in order for all students to get a fair go? Hon G.T. GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
Hon G.T. GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(1) Is the minister not concerned that this policy will create two classes of students in school? Those students of parents who refuse to pay will not be able to do certain subjects, which include youth theatre, electronics and a number of other popular subjects. (2) The Secondary Principals Association and all principals were in favour of introducing compulsory fees because they believed it would be fairer for all students. Why did the minister not take heed of their advice? (3) Rather than create confusion and division among parents, students and teachers, will the minister and the Government provide the extra estimated $17 million which would cover fees, and distribute that to schools in order for all students to get a fair go? Hon G.T. GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(2) The Secondary Principals Association and all principals were in favour of introducing compulsory fees because they believed it would be fairer for all students. Why did the minister not take heed of their advice? (3) Rather than create confusion and division among parents, students and teachers, will the minister and the Government provide the extra estimated $17 million which would cover fees, and distribute that to schools in order for all students to get a fair go? Hon G.T. GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(3) Rather than create confusion and division among parents, students and teachers, will the minister and the Government provide the extra estimated $17 million which would cover fees, and distribute that to schools in order for all students to get a fair go? Hon G.T. GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
Hon G.T. GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(1) The capacity of parents to pay for students to participate in optional subjects has always varied. Principals will continue to have the discretion to allow students to participate regardless of non-payment. Schools must provide an educational program for students in their compulsory years of schooling that satisfies the requirements and the curriculum framework and that does not require them to participate in extra options. I refer the member to section 101 of the School Education Act. (2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(2) The Government’s commitment to a scheme of voluntary contributions for students in years 8 to 10 has been made clear for some time. (3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
(3) This answer is not necessarily predicated on the figure of $17 million. Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
Hon B.M. Scott: That is estimated. Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
Hon G.T. Giffard: It is the Opposition’s estimation and we do not necessarily accept that. The Government expects that parents will continue to contribute to the cost of materials, services and facilities used or consumed by their children at school. The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
The PRESIDENT: Order! A number of members missed the call during question time, in which case they will be given priority tomorrow.
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