❓ A parliamentary question on notice addresses the delay in the decision regarding the movement of Year 7 students to secondary schools, questioning why the proposal wasn't considered in the budget process and seeking a timeline for a decision. The Minister defends the delay, citing complexity and the need to consider the Australian curriculum framework.
AnsweredQoN 328Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
YEAR 7 STUDENTS — SECONDARY SCHOOL
I refer to the proposal to move year 7 students into high schools and the minister’s response on Tuesday that the proposal is “now in the cabinet process”. I also refer to the minister’s comments about the same proposal, which she made on 15 March 2011, “ The issue is now in the cabinet process. It will be looked at and considered by cabinet ”; and again on 16 March when the minister stated, “ It is in the cabinet process and advice has gone forward on all these issues ”. (1) Why was this proposal not considered in the budget process, given the considerable cost implications to the budget? (2) When does the minister expect the state cabinet to make its decision? (3) Does the minister anticipate that the cabinet process will conclude sometime in the 2011–12 financial year? Dr E. CONSTABLE
I refer to the proposal to move year 7 students into high schools and the minister’s response on Tuesday that the proposal is “now in the cabinet process”. I also refer to the minister’s comments about the same proposal, which she made on 15 March 2011, “ The issue is now in the cabinet process. It will be looked at and considered by cabinet ”; and again on 16 March when the minister stated, “ It is in the cabinet process and advice has gone forward on all these issues ”. (1) Why was this proposal not considered in the budget process, given the considerable cost implications to the budget? (2) When does the minister expect the state cabinet to make its decision? (3) Does the minister anticipate that the cabinet process will conclude sometime in the 2011–12 financial year? Dr E. CONSTABLE
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
(1) Why was this proposal not considered in the budget process, given the considerable cost implications to the budget? (2) When does the minister expect the state cabinet to make its decision? (3) Does the minister anticipate that the cabinet process will conclude sometime in the 2011–12 financial year? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
(2) When does the minister expect the state cabinet to make its decision? (3) Does the minister anticipate that the cabinet process will conclude sometime in the 2011–12 financial year? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
(3) Does the minister anticipate that the cabinet process will conclude sometime in the 2011–12 financial year? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
(1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
(1) Why was this proposal not considered in the budget process, given the considerable cost implications to the budget? (2) When does the minister expect the state cabinet to make its decision? (3) Does the minister anticipate that the cabinet process will conclude sometime in the 2011–12 financial year? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
(2) When does the minister expect the state cabinet to make its decision? (3) Does the minister anticipate that the cabinet process will conclude sometime in the 2011–12 financial year? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
(3) Does the minister anticipate that the cabinet process will conclude sometime in the 2011–12 financial year? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
(1)–(3) They are very speculative questions. We are dealing with a very complex issue for year 7s in the decision whether or not to move those students from primary schools into secondary schools. It is very complex. I make no apology that it is taking a long time. There are a number of issues that need to be properly looked at. One of the pluses in it taking so much time is that many people have had the opportunity to provide me with their ideas on this. That is still happening. There is no need to rush such a fundamental and important decision. Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : A rush? It’s been two years. You’re not rushing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took that long because we were waiting to see what was happening with the Australian curriculum framework. Once we found out, we had to examine the curriculum and look at the possibilities. If the students in year 7 stayed in primary schools, there are implications for the budget and for teaching, and there are implications equally if those students move into secondary schools. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : You don’t know what you are doing! Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Yes, I do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : What is it? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am looking at a very complex issue. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : That issue is now being dealt with in the cabinet process, and the cabinet process will take as long as it needs to in order to make the right decision for the children of Western Australia.
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