Education will be in the spotlight again this week as the government’s proposed Education Act is debated in Parliament.
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The act includes controversial changes to the school starting age, as well as mandatory year 12 completion.
Leader of Government Business Michael Ferguson called the bill a once in a generation reform.
“These education reforms are essential for our state's future. The government is focused on the importance of education in our Parliament this week,” he said.
There has been strong opposition to the proposal to lower the school starting age, with shadow minister for education Michelle O’Byrne calling it previously a “band aid fix”.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Labor shadow minister Rebecca White said there is broad community concern about lowering the school starting age.
“We have been lobbied very heavily by a number of parents and groups who are very concerned about what evidence the government has to lower the school starting age,” Ms White said.
“We feel that they should take that element out of the act and go back and consult properly with the community before pursuing it further.”
Mr Ferguson said he hoped Labor wouldn’t “play politics” with the bill.
“This is too important to see caught up in petty party politics,” he said.
But the government is unlikely to get an easy run.
“We will be taking every opportunity in the Parliament to raise those issues to make sure that we get across to the government how concerned we are that we feel there isn't sufficient evidence to support the lowering of the school starting age,” Ms White said.
Also back on the table this week is legislation that will allow the North East Rail Trail to go ahead. The legislation was blocked by MLCs when it was tabled in September due to community concerns.
Mr Ferguson said the government is optimistic the bill will pass this time around.
“It is important that our members of the Legislative Council do come to a view on this, we encourage them to support the bill and it does provide the necessary protections if the corridors are ever needed in the future,” he said.
Mr Ferguson said the bill is crucial to the progression of some important tourism ventures in the North-East and North-West.
There has been strong opposition from local landowners and rail groups to the bill.