Bill to stop closures
ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey will introduce a Bill to the Legislative Assembly in August which would put the government’s school closure program on hold until the end of 2007, and require a vote of the Assembly on every closure thereafter.
“This Government doesn’t know how to work with parents, teachers, kids or community groups. This is a government that thinks it knows better than everyone, yet has no real explanation for its actions” Dr Foskey said today.
“Yesterday I asked Parliamentary Counsel to draft a Private Members Bill to amend the Education Act to
1) rule out the closure or amalgamation of any public school before 2008
2) ensure that no school closure is proposed until extensive consultation has been conducted with the affected school and community, and that such consultation incorporates full social and educational impact analysis,
3) ensure that any subsequent closure would require specific parliamentary approval.”
“Most parents and teachers agree that some changes are needed, but they want the plans to make sense both socially and educationally. The Government’s 2020 shock plan lacks vision. It makes no sense to most of us, and a new approach is needed.”
” I suggest we look to a more collaborative solution, and give schools and communities time to explore their options. I will circulate the Bill to P&C’s across Canberra seeking their guidance and support” Dr Foskey said.