❓ Question regarding the review of a decision to build a permanent K-7 school for Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury. The Minister's answer defends the decision, citing community support and past commitments, while criticising the member for Mitchell's opposition.
AnsweredQoN 884Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Will the minister inform the House whether he intends - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood for the first time. Mr A.J. DEAN: Will the minister inform the House whether he intends to review a decision to build a permanent school for kindergarten to year 7 to house the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood for the first time. Mr A.J. DEAN: Will the minister inform the House whether he intends to review a decision to build a permanent school for kindergarten to year 7 to house the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood for the first time. Mr A.J. DEAN: Will the minister inform the House whether he intends to review a decision to build a permanent school for kindergarten to year 7 to house the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. DEAN: Will the minister inform the House whether he intends to review a decision to build a permanent school for kindergarten to year 7 to house the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7.
I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7.
I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill -
The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate.
Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi -
You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi -
The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood for the first time. Mr A.J. DEAN: Will the minister inform the House whether he intends to review a decision to build a permanent school for kindergarten to year 7 to house the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood for the first time. Mr A.J. DEAN: Will the minister inform the House whether he intends to review a decision to build a permanent school for kindergarten to year 7 to house the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. DEAN: Will the minister inform the House whether he intends to review a decision to build a permanent school for kindergarten to year 7 to house the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
I thank the member for the question and for his interest in educational issues in his electorate. This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
This issue has arisen in the past couple of days because I received a six-page letter from the member for Mitchell in which he raises concerns about a proposition to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 primary school. Everybody knows the member is very good at writing letters. We all remember his famous letter about superannuation and how he was committed to surrendering his superannuation if the scheme was scrapped! On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
On this occasion he had the courtesy to explain in the last couple of paragraphs that he considered this to be an open letter. That might explain why I received a copy in my office. The local newspaper queried the topic and the content of the letter before it had even arrived at my office. The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
The content of the letter is somewhat disappointing but in view of the member’s background it is not surprising. Essentially, the member is saying that he does not believe that it is the right decision to extend the Djidi Djidi school from a year 3 to a year 7 school. His letter reads in part - The original concept, as explained to me at the time, was that Djidi Djidi would be open for children in their early years of education, generally up to year 2. He says further on - Your Government eventually decided to build a new facility at Glen Iris. That is correct. It continues - and this year’s Budget, . . . shows a total cost of $5 million for the Djidi Djidi new school project. Again, that is correct. He then says further on - . . . the new school being built is not simply a replacement of the original concept established in 1996, which was to take children only up to years 2 or 3 and then include them carefully into mainstream schooling. Instead, the new building at Glen Iris will be large enough to cater for all primary years up to and including year 7. This is a matter of serious concern in the community. In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7. I find this letter surprising because I recollect that the commitment to increase the ages for Djidi Djidi was made some years ago. The Leader of the Opposition might recall whence this commitment stems. In fact, given the surprise of the member for Mitchell, it appears that he is not very conscientious about following up correspondence to his office. On 15 March 2000 the then Minister for Education, Hon Colin J. Barnett, wrote to Ms Lee Brady, who was the Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and said - Dear Lee I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill - He is the Chairman of the Djidi Djidi School Council. It continues - during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate. The letter was copied to Dan Sullivan, MLA. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
In particular, it detracts from the original objective of encouraging children and their families to participate in the school process until the children could be mainstreamed into a full scale primary school, usually Carey Park Primary School. If the intention is for the children to be schooled from kindergarten to year 7 in a school which, as even the name suggests, is principally for Aboriginal children, then this smacks of segregation. I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7.
I have held discussions with educationalists and members of the community, including Aboriginal families, who have questioned why a decision was made to raise the school’s enrolment age limit from years 2 or 3 right up to year 7.
I was pleased to meet you and Peter Hill -
The school is obviously a great success, and I would be supportive of moves to extend it to include Year 7 students in the future if the community felt this was appropriate.
Mr C.J. Barnett: I have never known a minister to go through files like you do. Can I see the letters? Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I will table the letters. Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Several members interjected Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Do you put on balaclavas and take your torches and go through the letters of the previous Government? The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Perth and the member for Riverton. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: Why does the Leader of the Opposition appear somewhat uncomfortable with this information? He should be uncomfortable and surprised at the member for Mitchell’s attitude. After the March 2000 letter, the then Minister for Education wrote again on 16 October 2000 to Mr Peter Hill, Chairperson of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr M.J. Birney interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: It is an epithet that could never be applied to the member for Kalgoorlie. The letter reads - Dear Peter I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi - Point of Order Mr R.F. JOHNSON: I believe it is contrary to standing orders to read letters into this House verbatim. The minister has done nothing but read three letters verbatim. The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
I was pleased to be able to meet you again during my recent visit to Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School with the local member, Dan Sullivan, MLA, and to meet with members of the school community to discuss the school’s future. You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi -
You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi -
The SPEAKER: The standing orders allow members to quote from letters. However, this answer is tending to be exceptionally long and I ask the minister to bring it to a conclusion very quickly. Debate Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: This final quote is the nub of the issue. It reads - You will recall that at that meeting the Djidi Djidi community strongly supported the school remaining on its current site and expanding, over time, to include students from Kindergarten to Year 7. I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm that the Education Department and the City of Bunbury have reached agreement on a lease which will enable the school to remain at Kelly Park for at least another three years, and that I have approved the school expanding gradually to Year 7, starting with Year 5 students in 2001. It is very unfortunate when a local member of Parliament stoops to the level at which the member for Mitchell has stooped. It shows a lack of integrity. Everybody in the community knows that he is trying to whip up division between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. In fact, the headline in the South Western Times is very appropriate. This member of Parliament will stoop to any lengths to work up division in the community in the pursuit of political advantage. He is an embarrassment to the Parliament and his constituents.
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