|
Education Amendment Bill 2009 |
|
Wednesday, 01 April 2009 |
|
Mr MIKE BAIRD (Manly) [4.41 p.m.]: I speak to the Education Amendment Bill 2009 and commend the Government for doing everything possible to give kids a chance. Kids are given the best chance in life if they are provided with an education—the key to opening up opportunities that they might be able to pursue. Education is the way in which the youth of our State can achieve their full potential. This morning, when I attended a school assembly at Seaforth Public School and I looked into the faces of the audience, I saw a young generation of future leaders or future contributors to the New South Wales way of life. Education shapes and forms every student in this State.
I commend the teachers and school communities for spending many hours to give our kids an opportunity in life. The purpose of this bill, which is commendable, is to keep kids in education—to give them every chance in life to progress. Education sits parallel with the other side of the equation, that is, the culture of this Government. This legislation will result in increased costs but it is clear that those costs have not been articulated. This Government has allocated a token amount of about $100 million but if kids are to remain longer in schools there will be an added requirement for teachers, schools and TAFE institutions. How will this proposal be funded and how will it play out? This Government needs to develop a culture of accountability.
Lots of cheap points have been made about economic management. However, if this Government wants to manage this State responsibly it should cost any proposals before they are announced. Its proposals should be costed and understood and it should ensure that it delivers on its promises, which it has not done in the past. I refer to the ironic situation in my electorate. This bill will ensure that kids remain longer in schools, but this Government is attempting to close or sell off TAFE institutions in order to prop up the State budget. I ask the Minister to take heed of the motion that I have on the notice paper that refers to the Government selling off public education land to the tune of $240 million to prop up the State budget.
This bill is about protecting the future of our kids. However, if we are to educate our kids we need the facilities to do it. Seaforth TAFE has a role to play in public education and it should remain open to educate our kids. It is bad policy for any government to sell public education land to balance its budget. The Government should reconsider policies that will impact on future generations. I call on the Government to debate my motion. I call on the Government to include Seaforth TAFE as part of its strategy and to provide additional teachers and facilities. I commend the intent of the bill but I believe this Government has a lot more work to do.
|
