(1) That the Employment, Workplace Relations and Education References Committee inquire into the education of students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, throughout all levels and sectors of education, with particular reference to:

(a) whether current policies and programs for students with disabilities are adequate to meet their education needs, including, but not limited to:

(i) the criteria used to define disability and to differentiate between levels of handicap,

(ii) the accuracy with which students' disability-related needs are being assessed,

(iii) the particular needs of students with disabilities from low socio-economic, non-English speaking and Indigenous backgrounds, and from rural and remote areas,

(iv) the effectiveness and availability of early intervention programs,

(v) access to and adequacy of funding and support in both the public and private sectors,

(vi) the nature, extent and funding of programs that provide for full or partial learning opportunities with mainstream students,

(vii) teacher training and professional development, and

(viii) the legal implications and resource demands of current Commonwealth and state and territory legislation; and

(b) what the proper role of the Commonwealth and states and territories should be in supporting the education of students with disabilities.

(2) That the committee report to the Senate by the last sitting day in October 2002.