Ms Jann McFarlane asked the Minister for Education, Science and Training, upon notice, on 4 March 2003:

(1) Is he aware of any schools being forced to suspend the Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme until next financial year due to a lack of funding, if so, how many schools have been affected.

(2) Can he confirm if any schools in the Stirling electorate have been notified by the Aboriginal Education Unit of the Department of Education, Science and Training that there is no more money to continue this vital program until the new financial year.

Dr Nelson (Minister for Education, Science and Training) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) I am not aware of any schools in the Stirling electorate which have been forced to suspend the Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ATAS).

(2) Two schools in the Stirling electorate accessed the Tuition During School Hours (TDSH) element of ATAS during 2002. The TDSH element of ATAS is being maintained at the same level in 2003 as Semester Two, 2002 in Western Australia.