Mrs BRAHAM - 2006-06-14
Some time ago, I wrote to you about my concern at the lack of bussing of town camp children to school. As you are aware, Tangentyere received funding from the Department of Employment, Education and Training to provide that bus service but they were unable to do that because they did not have a licensed bus driver. As you know, non-attendance is something that concerns me. There was a 12-year-old child in the town camp recently who had never attended school. Knowing your commitment to education, how are you going to solve this problem of getting the town camp kids to school?
ANSWER
Mr Acting Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. I also thank her for writing to me in May. Although I do not have an answer for you yet, I appreciate that you took time to put pen to paper and put constructive views forward as to how the department might take it forward. The letter is still with the department for investigation and a response.
Given Tangentyere’s situation, it makes sense - we have to work out what the alternatives are, what liability we have. Indeed, officers in Alice Springs are currently looking at that. I understand that, this very day, they are examining the possibilities of the suggestions put forward in your letter. As soon as I get a response back from the department, I will have it forwarded to you.
Of the 48 students on Tangentyere’s books for transporting, I understand six are not attending. I am interested in what you have to say about the young person who has never been to school, and that will be followed up by the department. I understand also that Tangentyere has now put a revised proposal into DEET to expand the service at a much larger cost. I guess that goes in the mix along with what DEET has worked out and your suggestions. As soon as I have an answer, I will get back to you. It is an important issue and we are working on it.
ANSWER
Mr Acting Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. I also thank her for writing to me in May. Although I do not have an answer for you yet, I appreciate that you took time to put pen to paper and put constructive views forward as to how the department might take it forward. The letter is still with the department for investigation and a response.
Given Tangentyere’s situation, it makes sense - we have to work out what the alternatives are, what liability we have. Indeed, officers in Alice Springs are currently looking at that. I understand that, this very day, they are examining the possibilities of the suggestions put forward in your letter. As soon as I get a response back from the department, I will have it forwarded to you.
Of the 48 students on Tangentyere’s books for transporting, I understand six are not attending. I am interested in what you have to say about the young person who has never been to school, and that will be followed up by the department. I understand also that Tangentyere has now put a revised proposal into DEET to expand the service at a much larger cost. I guess that goes in the mix along with what DEET has worked out and your suggestions. As soon as I have an answer, I will get back to you. It is an important issue and we are working on it.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016