❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the closure of schools in the South West due to fire risk, questioning the impact on students and the rationale behind the decision. The Minister's response clarifies the safety protocols and decision-making process.
AnsweredQoN 1961Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the
closure of schools on 20 February 2024 in parts of the South West region, and I
ask: (a) how many students
were affected by school closures on 20 February 2024; (b) can the Minister
confirm some students were forced to stay at home, often in remote locations,
and possibly without parental supervision considering the short notice given to
families; (c) in the event of a
catastrophic fire, can the Minister confirm evacuation centres are often
established at community facilities near schools or at schools; and (d) can the Minister
explain how it is safer for students to not be at school on days when there is
a catastrophic fire risk, and why it is safer for them to be at home?
closure of schools on 20 February 2024 in parts of the South West region, and I
ask: (a) how many students
were affected by school closures on 20 February 2024; (b) can the Minister
confirm some students were forced to stay at home, often in remote locations,
and possibly without parental supervision considering the short notice given to
families; (c) in the event of a
catastrophic fire, can the Minister confirm evacuation centres are often
established at community facilities near schools or at schools; and (d) can the Minister
explain how it is safer for students to not be at school on days when there is
a catastrophic fire risk, and why it is safer for them to be at home?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 April 2024
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Education
Response time
4 days
a) 2,400
b) No.
c) The location of an evacuation centre is determined by the relevant Hazard Management Agency, in consultation with the local government authority and the Department of Communities. The location of an evacuation centre is determined at the time of the emergency.
d) The safety of students and staff is the Department of Education’s foremost priority. Pre-emptive closure of public schools rated as ‘Extreme’ or ‘Very High’ on the Bushfire Zone Register removes students and staff from the threat of fire to life and property. Schools identified as ‘Extreme’ or ‘Very High’ for bushfire risk on the Bushfire Zone Register may be instructed to close when a Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) of 75 or greater is forecast. The Department provides schools with as much notice as possible when a pre-emptive closure is imminent in order for parents/guardians to plan for the care of children.
b) No.
c) The location of an evacuation centre is determined by the relevant Hazard Management Agency, in consultation with the local government authority and the Department of Communities. The location of an evacuation centre is determined at the time of the emergency.
d) The safety of students and staff is the Department of Education’s foremost priority. Pre-emptive closure of public schools rated as ‘Extreme’ or ‘Very High’ on the Bushfire Zone Register removes students and staff from the threat of fire to life and property. Schools identified as ‘Extreme’ or ‘Very High’ for bushfire risk on the Bushfire Zone Register may be instructed to close when a Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) of 75 or greater is forecast. The Department provides schools with as much notice as possible when a pre-emptive closure is imminent in order for parents/guardians to plan for the care of children.
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