❓ Question addresses the impact of drought on students in rural WA, specifically regarding hardships and access to education. The Minister acknowledges the issue, declines immediate financial assistance, but commits to further consideration.
AnsweredQoN 230Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
STUDENTS IN DROUGHT-AFFECTED AREAS
The National Party raised a matter of public interest on 28 June in this House on the drought disaster in agricultural Western Australia, including the resulting strain that will be placed on education and particularly the challenge of keeping young country people in schools. (1) Will the minister inform the House whether he has instructed the Department of Education to investigate the hardships facing students in compulsory and post-compulsory education as a result of the impact of drought on families in country areas? (2) If so, what action is the minister planning to take to assist young people to continue their current level of education? (3) If not, will the minister commit to the House to instruct his department to carry out the investigation and report back to the House? Mr CARPENTER
The National Party raised a matter of public interest on 28 June in this House on the drought disaster in agricultural Western Australia, including the resulting strain that will be placed on education and particularly the challenge of keeping young country people in schools. (1) Will the minister inform the House whether he has instructed the Department of Education to investigate the hardships facing students in compulsory and post-compulsory education as a result of the impact of drought on families in country areas? (2) If so, what action is the minister planning to take to assist young people to continue their current level of education? (3) If not, will the minister commit to the House to instruct his department to carry out the investigation and report back to the House? Mr CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
(1) Will the minister inform the House whether he has instructed the Department of Education to investigate the hardships facing students in compulsory and post-compulsory education as a result of the impact of drought on families in country areas? (2) If so, what action is the minister planning to take to assist young people to continue their current level of education? (3) If not, will the minister commit to the House to instruct his department to carry out the investigation and report back to the House? Mr CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
(2) If so, what action is the minister planning to take to assist young people to continue their current level of education? (3) If not, will the minister commit to the House to instruct his department to carry out the investigation and report back to the House? Mr CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
(3) If not, will the minister commit to the House to instruct his department to carry out the investigation and report back to the House? Mr CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
(1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
(1) Will the minister inform the House whether he has instructed the Department of Education to investigate the hardships facing students in compulsory and post-compulsory education as a result of the impact of drought on families in country areas? (2) If so, what action is the minister planning to take to assist young people to continue their current level of education? (3) If not, will the minister commit to the House to instruct his department to carry out the investigation and report back to the House? Mr CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
(2) If so, what action is the minister planning to take to assist young people to continue their current level of education? (3) If not, will the minister commit to the House to instruct his department to carry out the investigation and report back to the House? Mr CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
(3) If not, will the minister commit to the House to instruct his department to carry out the investigation and report back to the House? Mr CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
I thank the member for his timely question. (1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
(1)-(3) Last week or the week before a delegation from the Western Australia Farmers Federation came to see me about the situation in country schools, particularly in the wheatbelt areas, in the light of the circumstances facing families. They sought an increase in the contribution made by the State to the boarding allowance, the bulk of which is made by the Commonwealth. I indicated that I would be unable to increase that allowance in this budget. However, I will look at the circumstances that pertain to families in wheatbelt areas and their capacity to send their children away or have them educated locally, although I have not yet issued an instruction to do so. Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr Trenorden: Do you know that there is no senior high school in the drought-declared areas? Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr CARPENTER: That may be the case. However, we cannot build high schools on the basis that areas have been affected by drought. Historically, schools exist and drought conditions impact on communities. Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr Trenorden: Have you ever been over the Darling Range? Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr CARPENTER: In recent times I have tried to refrain from getting on my feet to criticise the National Party because its members are under extreme pressure due to the disgraceful antics of the Liberal Party, which is trying to put them out of business by doing deals with One Nation. I will not remind the House about the primary vote of the leader of the National Party. The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
The member for Avon may recall that I have been over the ranges. In fact he may recall that last week I announced a package that will benefit two high schools in his electorate. Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr Trenorden: You haven’t been there. Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
Mr CARPENTER: I visited Northam Senior High School last year. The Leader of the Opposition, who was then the Minister for Education, spoke to me about going there and gave me permission to do so, for which I am grateful. I discussed the issues of Northam high school with the staff and as a consequence it has received extra staff this year. I thank the member for Northam very much for his gratitude for that! I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
I visited West Northam Primary School this year and discussed issues such as Aboriginal retention rates. Rural and remote education counsellors will make a trip to the wheatbelt areas next Friday to get first-hand evidence of the situation in some primary schools. I am aware of the problems those schools face. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
In contrast to the previous Government, this Government is doing something to help schools in country areas.
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