Ms WALKER - 2012-05-02
Can you please inform the House how Budget 2012-13 continues the Territory government’s delivery of quality and affordable education and training in support of Territory families?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. For Education and Training, there is a record budget of $950m in Budget 2012-13. When we came to government in 2001, the budget for education and training was $350m, so we have almost trebled the budget in that time. In the budget books it is shown separately - $850m for school and early childhood, etcetera, and employment and training now resides with the Treasurer in her portfolio. Amalgamate them and it is a record $950m budget. We have invested well over the years in infrastructure and teachers, with over 400 extra teachers.
Reflecting on what the Minister for Health said before, every one of our principals earns more than $110 000 a year, and probably our assistant principals. Is the Leader of the Opposition putting each one of our principals, assistant principals and lead teachers on notice because they earn more than $110 000? He needs to answer that. He needs to talk about that at the Australian Education Union conference in Darwin this Saturday; it will be very interesting.
We are investing in upgrades - $246m in total; there are 13 remaining. We continue our investment in special schools with $9.8m: $2m for Palmerston Senior College; $2.75m for Taminmin, brought forward from 2013-14; and upgrades and expansion of facilities at Henbury, Kintore Street and Acacia Hill. The design work for the $10m school at Bellamack will commence in 2012, with construction planned for 2013-14. That project has moved out a bit because of the factors the Minister for Construction mentioned before, but it is in our forward budget and will be accomplished.
Great teachers - I mentioned over 400 - actually 465 extra teachers since 2001. We have invested that GST money in teachers. It has not been profligate spending; it has been an investment. I am proud of that investment. Fifty specialist teachers, a further 85 teacher aides, and more truancy officers coming on-stream bringing the total to 30 across the Territory. There is $1.56m for remote teacher recruitment, selection and support; Centres of Excellence in our schools; Clontarf and Girls Academy; positive behaviour initiatives; Families as First Teachers; and Australian curriculum.
I believe we have also spent wisely in this budget in investing in a reengagement centre and positive learning centres.
Madam Speaker, education is our top priority as a government.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. For Education and Training, there is a record budget of $950m in Budget 2012-13. When we came to government in 2001, the budget for education and training was $350m, so we have almost trebled the budget in that time. In the budget books it is shown separately - $850m for school and early childhood, etcetera, and employment and training now resides with the Treasurer in her portfolio. Amalgamate them and it is a record $950m budget. We have invested well over the years in infrastructure and teachers, with over 400 extra teachers.
Reflecting on what the Minister for Health said before, every one of our principals earns more than $110 000 a year, and probably our assistant principals. Is the Leader of the Opposition putting each one of our principals, assistant principals and lead teachers on notice because they earn more than $110 000? He needs to answer that. He needs to talk about that at the Australian Education Union conference in Darwin this Saturday; it will be very interesting.
We are investing in upgrades - $246m in total; there are 13 remaining. We continue our investment in special schools with $9.8m: $2m for Palmerston Senior College; $2.75m for Taminmin, brought forward from 2013-14; and upgrades and expansion of facilities at Henbury, Kintore Street and Acacia Hill. The design work for the $10m school at Bellamack will commence in 2012, with construction planned for 2013-14. That project has moved out a bit because of the factors the Minister for Construction mentioned before, but it is in our forward budget and will be accomplished.
Great teachers - I mentioned over 400 - actually 465 extra teachers since 2001. We have invested that GST money in teachers. It has not been profligate spending; it has been an investment. I am proud of that investment. Fifty specialist teachers, a further 85 teacher aides, and more truancy officers coming on-stream bringing the total to 30 across the Territory. There is $1.56m for remote teacher recruitment, selection and support; Centres of Excellence in our schools; Clontarf and Girls Academy; positive behaviour initiatives; Families as First Teachers; and Australian curriculum.
I believe we have also spent wisely in this budget in investing in a reengagement centre and positive learning centres.
Madam Speaker, education is our top priority as a government.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016