Ms WALKER - 2010-05-06
The government’s education strategy, A Smart Territory, has a strong focus on quality teachers. Can the minister advise the House how Budget 2010-11 funds and supports the provision of additional quality teachers?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. This is a government which is investing very heavily in education with a record budget of $886m. Since 2002, we have increased the number of teachers in our teaching service by approximately 330, which is quite an achievement.
In this year’s budget, there will be $12m for 105 extra teachers and 42 support staff. Whilst the government has said we will have a cap on staff, with our frontline workers we have said we will be putting people into those positions where they are needed - whether they are nurses, doctors, police, or teachers. We are committed to the service of the people of the Northern Territory.
I have talked about Rosebery school a number of times. It has $14.1m, 60 extra teachers and 20 support staff, as well as principals and assistant principals who are already on the ground talking to people who want to send their kids to the school next year. There is $2.8m for an Institute of School Leadership, which is much appreciated amongst the leadership of education professionals within the Northern Territory. That will play a very important role.
We are also focused on the remote areas. I remember, it was one of Syd Stirling’s focuses to have Indigenous Year 12 students graduate in their community. There had not been one graduate on their community in the 27 years under the CLP.
We have $1.9m for training for an Indigenous educator; $1.5m for English as a Second Language training support for teachers; $400 000 to establish the Quality Remote Teaching Service; $120 000 for Indigenous teacher scholarships, which is a crucial element; and $250 000 in VET in Schools for young Indigenous men. I have already spoken during these sittings about the $213m in infrastructure.
I just ask the CLP: how many of those teachers or assistants are they going to sack to balance their budget?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: Which ones are you going to sack?
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Fong Lim!
Dr BURNS: It is a good question and you have not answered it.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. This is a government which is investing very heavily in education with a record budget of $886m. Since 2002, we have increased the number of teachers in our teaching service by approximately 330, which is quite an achievement.
In this year’s budget, there will be $12m for 105 extra teachers and 42 support staff. Whilst the government has said we will have a cap on staff, with our frontline workers we have said we will be putting people into those positions where they are needed - whether they are nurses, doctors, police, or teachers. We are committed to the service of the people of the Northern Territory.
I have talked about Rosebery school a number of times. It has $14.1m, 60 extra teachers and 20 support staff, as well as principals and assistant principals who are already on the ground talking to people who want to send their kids to the school next year. There is $2.8m for an Institute of School Leadership, which is much appreciated amongst the leadership of education professionals within the Northern Territory. That will play a very important role.
We are also focused on the remote areas. I remember, it was one of Syd Stirling’s focuses to have Indigenous Year 12 students graduate in their community. There had not been one graduate on their community in the 27 years under the CLP.
We have $1.9m for training for an Indigenous educator; $1.5m for English as a Second Language training support for teachers; $400 000 to establish the Quality Remote Teaching Service; $120 000 for Indigenous teacher scholarships, which is a crucial element; and $250 000 in VET in Schools for young Indigenous men. I have already spoken during these sittings about the $213m in infrastructure.
I just ask the CLP: how many of those teachers or assistants are they going to sack to balance their budget?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: Which ones are you going to sack?
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Fong Lim!
Dr BURNS: It is a good question and you have not answered it.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016