2008

 

THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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SCHOOLS ASSISTANCE BILL 2008

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SCHEDULE OF THE AMENDMENT MADE BY THE SENATE TO WHICH THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAS DISAGREED

                

(4)  Clause 22, page 25 (lines 3 to 11), omit the clause.

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REASONS FOR DISAGREEING TO

THE SENATE AMENDMENT

 

This amendment passed by the Senate strips the National Curriculum clause from the Bill. The National Curriculum is essential to ensure that all Australian school students receive a world class education, and to provide consistency to the 80,000 students who move to new schools interstate each year.

 

Section 22 of the Schools Assistance Bill requires as a condition of funding, the implementation of National Curriculum in all non-government schools by 31 January 2012. Omitting the clause would be inconsistent with the requirements of the National Education Agreement agreed to by all States and Territories through the Council of Australian Governments.

 

The National Curriculum will detail the content and achievement standards that all young Australians should have access to, regardless of their socio-economic background or the location of the school. Beyond the requirements of the content and achievement standards, there will continue to be flexibility for innovation and creativity for the development and delivery of curriculum, including Steiner and Montessori pedagogies, at the local level in schools.

 

The National Curriculum is being developed with the non-government school sector.

 

The House believes that a world class curriculum is not an optional extra. Australia’s school students deserve the best possible standards.

 

The House believes in transparency for parents and the community and that a national curriculum is a basic part of setting the right expectations of schooling for everyone.

 

The House believes that a national curriculum is essential for proper accountability about standards of achievement in our schools.

 

Accordingly, the House of Representatives does not accept this amendment.

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                                                                                              I C HARRIS

                                                                      Clerk of the House of Representatives

 

 

House of Representatives

3 December 2008