❓ Opposition questions the Premier about budget cuts to North Metropolitan senior high schools, teacher losses, and refusal to meet with school representatives. The Premier acknowledges budget adjustments due to increased student enrollment but defends the government's approach.
AnsweredQoN 745Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
NORTH
METROPOLITAN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS — SCHOOL BUDGETS
745. Mr J.R. QUIGLEY to the
Premier:
I refer to the government's savage cuts to our
schools and the complaint today from Mr Paul Blomley, the chair of the Ocean
Reef Senior High School board, that the Premier and his education minister, Hon Peter Collier , have refused to
consult with schools in the northern suburbs.
(1) Why has
the Premier refused to meet representatives of 15 north metropolitan senior
high schools, despite them sending a request to meet him on 25 September?
(2) Does the
Premier agree with concerns by the northern suburbs high school boards that,
among other things, the budget cuts will result in the loss of about 600
full-time equivalent teachers in the classroom, a reduction in the breadth and
depth of course offerings, a redundancy in literacy and numeracy support and a reduction
in support for student services?
(3) Why did it
take until last weekend for the Premier to finally admit that his government
was cutting school budgets?
METROPOLITAN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS — SCHOOL BUDGETS
745. Mr J.R. QUIGLEY to the
Premier:
I refer to the government's savage cuts to our
schools and the complaint today from Mr Paul Blomley, the chair of the Ocean
Reef Senior High School board, that the Premier and his education minister, Hon Peter Collier , have refused to
consult with schools in the northern suburbs.
(1) Why has
the Premier refused to meet representatives of 15 north metropolitan senior
high schools, despite them sending a request to meet him on 25 September?
(2) Does the
Premier agree with concerns by the northern suburbs high school boards that,
among other things, the budget cuts will result in the loss of about 600
full-time equivalent teachers in the classroom, a reduction in the breadth and
depth of course offerings, a redundancy in literacy and numeracy support and a reduction
in support for student services?
(3) Why did it
take until last weekend for the Premier to finally admit that his government
was cutting school budgets?
AnswerView source ↗
That was more like a speech than a question, but I will do my
best.
(1)–(3)
The budget for education, as members know, for the current financial year has
been increased by $300 million. The overall budget has therefore been
increased. However, student population is, if members like, growing even
faster. To the best of my memory, at the start of this school year it was
expected that about 3 000 additional students would enrol in government
schools. The final figure was close to an additional 8 000. The growth was
therefore huge. Even though the budget has gone up and at the same time we have
moved to a student-based funding model, I concede and acknowledge that schools
will find their practical budget for the coming year reduced in many cases,
perhaps in the majority of cases. Thereafter, as the student needs–based
system is put in place, funding will increase. Next year it will be difficult
for schools as they make that adjustment. With respect to the request that was
sent to my office, my office indicated that I would not meet with the school
representatives. I meet with many school groups but I would rather that the
Minister for Education meet with them, and that is what I expect to happen.
best.
(1)–(3)
The budget for education, as members know, for the current financial year has
been increased by $300 million. The overall budget has therefore been
increased. However, student population is, if members like, growing even
faster. To the best of my memory, at the start of this school year it was
expected that about 3 000 additional students would enrol in government
schools. The final figure was close to an additional 8 000. The growth was
therefore huge. Even though the budget has gone up and at the same time we have
moved to a student-based funding model, I concede and acknowledge that schools
will find their practical budget for the coming year reduced in many cases,
perhaps in the majority of cases. Thereafter, as the student needs–based
system is put in place, funding will increase. Next year it will be difficult
for schools as they make that adjustment. With respect to the request that was
sent to my office, my office indicated that I would not meet with the school
representatives. I meet with many school groups but I would rather that the
Minister for Education meet with them, and that is what I expect to happen.
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