Dr HARVEY (Newland) (10:44): I move:
That this house notes that 26 October is World Teachers' Day (Australia) and expresses its appreciation to all South Australian teachers and former teachers who have dedicated their lives to helping our next generation to be all they can be.
Internationally, World Teachers' Day is celebrated on 5 October each year. However, as this is usually within the Australian school holidays, Australia celebrates it on the last Friday of October, which is this coming Friday 26 October.
The quality of teaching is a significant factor in the success of students, and effective teachers understand that the learning needs of students vary from one student to the next. An important theme of World Teachers' Day is 'The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher'. It is important that we acknowledge that the work our teachers do is invaluable, and it is important that we recognise that work and thank all teachers for what they do. I also think it is important that we acknowledge the teaching that occurs regardless of the sector it occurs within.
Mr PATTERSON (Morphett) (14:36): My question is to the Minister for Education. Can the minister advise the house about the recent success of South Australian school students in an international scientific competition?
Second Reading
Adjourned debate on second reading.
(Continued from 19 September 2018.)
Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (20:33): I indicate that I am the lead speaker for the opposition on this bill. It is a pleasure for me to address this bill because not only do I have the utmost respect for teachers and the work they do but I also have respect for the Teachers Registration Board, the work it does and the people who work for it and who are board members of it.
The CHAIR: Good morning, everybody. The estimates committees are a relatively informal procedure and, as such, there is no need to stand to ask questions. I understand that the minister and the lead speaker for the opposition have agreed an approximate time for consideration of proposed payments, which will facilitate a change of departmental advisers. Can the minister and the lead speaker for the opposition confirm that a timetable for today's proceedings as previously distributed is accurate?
The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Yes.
The election seems like a distant memory as the new Government has been busy delivering our reform agenda. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their continued faith in me as their local MP.
For the first time in sixteen years we have a new Government. I can report that our Premier Steven Marshall is working extremely hard to ensure we deliver on our key election commitments of more jobs, lower costs and better services.
RENMARK HIGH SCHOOL
The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER:
I would like to provide the house with an update on the
situation that occurred at Renmark High School yesterday afternoon. An incident occurred where a
17-year-old student was seriously injured by another student. Our thoughts are, of course, with the
injured student and her family as she continues to receive treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital,
and I know that all members wish her a full and speedy recovery.
Student and staff safety should always be the first priority in situations like this. I wish to
thank the school principal and staff for their courage in acting swiftly and decisively in such difficult
circumstances. They alerted police, provided critical first aid to the injured student, and minimised
risk to other students and staff. Schools have emergency procedures in place and undertake practice
The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: The Child Death and Serious Injury Review Committee's role is to review the circumstances and causes of all child deaths in South Australia with a view to identifying legislative or administrative means of preventing similar cases of death or serious injury. There are approximately 100 deaths per year, from all causes, of children from birth to 18 years in South Australia. This independent statutory body has been conducting this important work in protecting our children by recommending measures for the prevention of circumstances that would lead or could lead to the death or serious injury of a child.
The Government will put forward an expression of interest calling for education sites and trade industries to take the lead in establishing a new technical college in Adelaide’s western suburbs, fulfilling a 100-day commitment of the Marshall Liberal Government.
Acting Attorney General John Gardner has moved to reassure South Australians that Colin Humphrys remains in detention after today’s decision by the Full Court of the Supreme Court.
