Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

That is a quote from a person involved in the process, not from me. I would also like to correct the assertion that this government was responsible for the demise of the Investing in Our Schools program. The previous Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, made it clear that the last round of funding was the final round.

We need to build in our schools a culture of high expectations for students and teachers. This culture must also be matched by effective transparency and accountability mechanisms that meet the needs of parents, policymakers and the broader community. The Schools Assistance Bill 2008 and the Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 are critical elements in this national agenda, and I commend the bills to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.

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