The ACT Government has finally released a breakdown of costs by school and an analysis of projected savings. It is a pity that this was not done before the public consultation meetings so that parents could be as well informed as the Government, and so have a more useful discussion.
At the consultation meeting for South East Belconnen Minister Barr assured us the Government would take a whole of Government approach to the cost of school closures. This has not be done, or if it has, it has not been released. When can we expect the costs associated with increasing childhood obesity, loss of community amenities, loss of social capital, increased road traffic and associated measures to protect commuting children to be deducted from their projected savings?
Minister Barr and Dr Bruniges (CEO of ACT Education Department) also acknowledged that risk assessments had not been done for the children forced to travel when their local school is closed. Dr Bruniges admitted that such assessments were required by law. When can we expect the results of these assessments to be published?
