❓ Question on school air conditioning policy, power upgrades, and associated costs. The Minister's response provides historical context and defends the government's actions, highlighting previous inaction by the opposition.
AnsweredQoN 110Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SCHOOLS — AIR CONDITIONING
I refer the Minister for Education to her spectacular backflip on the warranty issue for school air conditioning and the reports that 60 per cent of government schools will require power upgrades to implement this new policy. (1) When did the minister first receive advice about installing air conditioning into Building the Education Revolution buildings, and what was that advice? (2) Has the minister met with the Minister for Energy to discuss the power upgrades for schools; and, if not, why not? (3) How many schools require power upgrades and when will this work be completed? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE
I refer the Minister for Education to her spectacular backflip on the warranty issue for school air conditioning and the reports that 60 per cent of government schools will require power upgrades to implement this new policy. (1) When did the minister first receive advice about installing air conditioning into Building the Education Revolution buildings, and what was that advice? (2) Has the minister met with the Minister for Energy to discuss the power upgrades for schools; and, if not, why not? (3) How many schools require power upgrades and when will this work be completed? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE
AnswerView source ↗
(1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(1) When did the minister first receive advice about installing air conditioning into Building the Education Revolution buildings, and what was that advice? (2) Has the minister met with the Minister for Energy to discuss the power upgrades for schools; and, if not, why not? (3) How many schools require power upgrades and when will this work be completed? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(2) Has the minister met with the Minister for Energy to discuss the power upgrades for schools; and, if not, why not? (3) How many schools require power upgrades and when will this work be completed? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(3) How many schools require power upgrades and when will this work be completed? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(1) When did the minister first receive advice about installing air conditioning into Building the Education Revolution buildings, and what was that advice? (2) Has the minister met with the Minister for Energy to discuss the power upgrades for schools; and, if not, why not? (3) How many schools require power upgrades and when will this work be completed? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(2) Has the minister met with the Minister for Energy to discuss the power upgrades for schools; and, if not, why not? (3) How many schools require power upgrades and when will this work be completed? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(3) How many schools require power upgrades and when will this work be completed? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that any work requiring shutdowns in school power takes place out of school hours? Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE replied: (1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
(1) I am really pleased that the member for Victoria Park has raised the issue of air cooling, because it gives me an opportunity to clarify some matters relating to this issue that have been very much in people’s minds in this incredibly hot summer we have had. It is not surprising that parents and others have been concerned about the conditions in some schools, and I agree with them totally. I want to give the member for Victoria Park a little history lesson. If we go back to 1974 — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member needs to understand the history of it because he has a lot to learn about education. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : Are you going to start when I was born, minister—April 1974? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The Minister for Education at the time — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : That is why I need to tell him the history, Mr Speaker. The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The Minister for Education at the time, Hon Graham MacKinnon, was the first person to see the need to air-cool or air-condition schools in Western Australia and the work was started in the hottest parts of the state; namely, the schools in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Under standing order 78 the answer must be relevant to the question. Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. Constable : It is very relevant. Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The question was about power upgrades to classrooms now. If the minister wants to provide us with a history lesson on this important issue, the option of a short ministerial statement is available to her, rather than taking the time of question time, which Mr Speaker has said should be used to answer the questions asked. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, there is a point to this. The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : I hope that you are going to get to it, minister. Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I am, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr E. CONSTABLE : It took 23 years for any changes to be made to the air-cooling zone put in place by Graham MacKinnon, and by then the minister was, of course, Hon Colin Barnett, who made major changes to the air-cooling zone, and that is the zone that we still have today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members. Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : We had three Labor ministers in seven and a half years and not one school was air-conditioned in that time. Labor stuck with the same line. Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were better as an Independent, minister. The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you know that that is not necessary. I formally call you to order for the first time today. I want to be able to hear the answer and I think some other people in this place also want to. Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I will swap seats with you because I can hear it. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Girrawheen to order for the first time. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, a review was conducted in 2002 under Hon Alan Carpenter and no change was made to the air-cooling zone at that time. I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
I have now had done a review of that air-cooling zone and members will remember that in the Premier’s Statement last month, the Premier pointed out that we will progressively be air-cooling schools. I might also point out that 447 schools are outside the zone. A lot of schools are still to be air-conditioned or air-cooled and, as a member pointed out in his question, many of those will need upgrades. We are auditing at the moment — Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : Would that be 60 per cent? Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : It is probably around that number. Some have already had some upgrading because of computers in schools, but it looks like many of those will need to be upgraded again. It is a major cost to air-cool those schools. Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : What sort of cost, minister? Do you have any idea? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I would say probably about $75 million, and if we do that, there will be not one—not one!—teacher in school to teach children how to read and to improve their numeracy. It will be a capital investment. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Members opposite did nothing—not one school! They did not change the zone at all. They cannot sit there self-righteously telling me — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Not one! Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : That brings me to the Building the Education Revolution buildings and the commonwealth’s directions to the states that state policies would prevail when it came to buildings. State policies are the very policies about which the member for Rockingham said, when he was minister — Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : No. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Midland! I will also give you the opportunity to ask a question if you like, but I now formally call you to order for the first time today. Members, might I suggest, once again, that I would like to hear the answer to the question. I note that the member for Victoria Park would like to hear the answer to his question, and I am sure that he is on occasions finding it rather difficult to hear. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The commonwealth’s direction was that state policies would prevail; that is, BER buildings inside the zone would have air cooling or air conditioning as part of the construction, and those outside the zone would not. That is something we all know and are all aware of. That is something this government is looking at. With that, I might also let the member for Victoria Park know that when it comes to buildings, the Department of Education is a client of Building Management and Works. Building Management and Works signs the contracts with the builders, and, quite properly, there is a 12-month warranty on those buildings, just as there would be a warranty period if members opposite built a new house. Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : But I can still air-condition my house. Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : As the member knows, the policies did not allow that to happen. Having those warranties in place is a prudent protection of the state’s investment in those buildings. Given the incredible heat of this summer, and as a result of the comments of people from about 25 of the 447 schools, I sought further advice. I asked my office and the Department of Education — Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : When did you seek that further advice, minister? Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The further legal advice was sought at the beginning of February, and I received that advice at the end of February this year. Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : And the first piece of advice you sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : I did not say that it was the first piece of advice. Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : No, but when was that first piece of advice sought? Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : Mr Speaker, listening skills are really important in education and is one of the things that we really work on with young children. Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : I am listening; I am just not hearing anything. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The member cannot hear because his colleagues are making so much noise. Perhaps, if they are quiet, the member could concentrate for just a moment without interrupting and use his best listening skills to just catch on to what I am trying to say. Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Several members interjected. Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
Dr E. CONSTABLE : The advice for many months was that we had to abide by the 12-month warranty in those Building Management and Works’ contracts. I kept asking for further advice, and that is the advice I was given. Again, at the beginning of February this year, I asked for a State Solicitor’s Office opinion, and that was sought by the department at the beginning of February. Towards the end of February—I think it was about 21 February—that legal advice came through. The advice was that we could go ahead and install air cooling in BER buildings outside the magic line of the zone provided it was done according to BMW specifications with BMW-approved contractors. That advice has gone to school principals and we are working on how we can assist those schools that wish to install air cooling in the BER buildings to do so. It is a matter that I have taken up and will be addressing very shortly.
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