❓ Question regarding the implementation of safety recommendations (security alarms, radios, phones) for school cleaners following a sexual assault in 2008. The Minister's response focuses on training and school-level decision-making, without directly answering the specific questions about the provision of security devices.
AnsweredQoN 176Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SCHOOL CLEANERS — SAFETY
I refer to the review of the physical safety of cleaners in Western Australian schools and its recommendations. (1) How many schools are yet to be issued with the recommended security alarms, two-way radios or mobile phones? (2) When will these schools be issued with them? (3) Given the catalyst for this review was the sexual assault of a cleaner at a northern suburbs primary school in December 2008, why has the minister taken so long to provide cleaners with these security measures? Dr E. CONSTABLE
I refer to the review of the physical safety of cleaners in Western Australian schools and its recommendations. (1) How many schools are yet to be issued with the recommended security alarms, two-way radios or mobile phones? (2) When will these schools be issued with them? (3) Given the catalyst for this review was the sexual assault of a cleaner at a northern suburbs primary school in December 2008, why has the minister taken so long to provide cleaners with these security measures? Dr E. CONSTABLE
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
(1) How many schools are yet to be issued with the recommended security alarms, two-way radios or mobile phones? (2) When will these schools be issued with them? (3) Given the catalyst for this review was the sexual assault of a cleaner at a northern suburbs primary school in December 2008, why has the minister taken so long to provide cleaners with these security measures? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
(2) When will these schools be issued with them? (3) Given the catalyst for this review was the sexual assault of a cleaner at a northern suburbs primary school in December 2008, why has the minister taken so long to provide cleaners with these security measures? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
(3) Given the catalyst for this review was the sexual assault of a cleaner at a northern suburbs primary school in December 2008, why has the minister taken so long to provide cleaners with these security measures? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
(1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
(1) How many schools are yet to be issued with the recommended security alarms, two-way radios or mobile phones? (2) When will these schools be issued with them? (3) Given the catalyst for this review was the sexual assault of a cleaner at a northern suburbs primary school in December 2008, why has the minister taken so long to provide cleaners with these security measures? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
(2) When will these schools be issued with them? (3) Given the catalyst for this review was the sexual assault of a cleaner at a northern suburbs primary school in December 2008, why has the minister taken so long to provide cleaners with these security measures? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
(3) Given the catalyst for this review was the sexual assault of a cleaner at a northern suburbs primary school in December 2008, why has the minister taken so long to provide cleaners with these security measures? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
(1)–(3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question. He raises a very important issue of the safety of cleaners and, of course, others in our schools. You will remember, Mr Speaker, on, I think, 22 December 2008 there was a horrible attack on a cleaner in one of our primary schools. As a result of that incident, I requested that the issue be subject to a review of the physical safety of cleaners in our schools. That review came up with a large number of recommendations. Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : We received that in March 2009. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The main recommendations were centred around the training of cleaners. I discussed the whole issue of safety with the then LHMU—now United Voice—on a number of occasions in my office, and training was central to what they wanted to be put in place. That has happened. Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : The recommendations were with respect to security devices, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : One hundred and fifty training sessions and workshops have been held for cleaners in our schools in the past two years. Training was one of the key recommendations. There were other recommendations as well. They included encouraging cleaners to work in groups or in pairs rather than individually, for their safety. A range of safety measures were put in place. One particular person on the review panel was very keen that cleaners be issued with some sort of device that they could use to make contact, and things such as two-way radios, mobile phones and different sorts of alarms have been suggested. I am pleased to report that in a number of schools, larger schools in particular, various sorts of communication devices have been issued through the schools. I think it is best that each school looks at its particular issues. In a small school with one cleaner, alarms and so forth are not necessarily — Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Mr R.H. Cook : Did you read the report? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I have read the report, and I have read the recommendations. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
The SPEAKER : Members! I would like to hear the answer to the question, and I am sure the member for Victoria Park would as well. I think everybody in this place is interested in this particular question. I do not think the member for Victoria Park needs any assistance from anybody. If he wants to ask a supplementary, I will give him that opportunity. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members would be aware that it is very much our policy to make sure that schools have the resources to make the decisions that are most appropriate for those schools. Different responses are appropriate for different schools. Larger schools and smaller schools have different needs. Individual schools have purchased those devices that they think are appropriate for cleaners in their situations.
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