Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Dyslexia is a neurologically based, specific learning disability that causes problems with learning to read and spell. I do not think there would be an MP in the House who has not been lobbied or meet with people who have experienced dyslexia or are the parents of someone with dyslexia. I have encountered it as a teacher; I have encountered in my work both as a teacher and as a lawyer; and I have also encountered it in my family. It is widespread. Some experts suggest that up to 16 per cent of the population have dyslexia, although that statistic is disputed. Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties and, associated with that, there are often some behavioural difficulties. I commend the member for Dawson for putting this motion before the chamber.

Dyslexia affects males and females almost equally, although I found as a teacher that the responses to it were more able to be seen in young boys because if they disengaged they could then be a problem student because of the problems they had with learning. It also affects people from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds equally—it does not discriminate.

Last month I sat down for coffee in Graceville in my electorate with a group of passionate parents and advocates for children with dyslexia. Their individual stories were heart-wrenching. I had parents coming to Moreton from all over Brisbane, happy to find a support network and some people who might be able to help on both a personal and a professional level. I was privy to their heart-warming stories of battles they have overcome and support they hope will be provided for all kids struggling with dyslexia, not just their own. I would especially like to acknowledge the work of Carlie Rice with the Brisbane Dyslexics parents support group she has established. Carlie is a constituent of mine.

Her support is growing and, if people are listening who are concerned about this or see this speech sent out to them, if you wish to find out more about Carlie Rice's group, please contact my office especially if you live locally in Brisbane and want to be put in touch with Carlie and her great work. Carlie's initiative is extremely positive in that it aims to increase awareness, to share information and support, and provide support, to parents, teachers and students—and I say that again, parents, teachers and students—on the issues associated with dyslexia.

The Labor government is committed to delivering world-class education to every Australian student whether they have dyslexia or not, or whether they are on the spectrum. In our schools I say upfront that we already have great teachers working with students with a range of learning difficulties and what all of these teachers and their learning support people need is further support in these schools. The specific learning needs of students involve a wide range of abilities and learning styles, especially students with a disability and learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

The National Plan for School Improvement could radically transform the educational outcomes for the Australian nation in recognising these needs and will work towards assisting the roles of teachers and the lives of the students who have dyslexia. It encourages the involvement of parents, families and carers by recognising the important influence they hold in a child's life. Recent announcements include $100 million in Commonwealth funding into the 2014 school year under the More Support for Students with Disabilities program. This is on top of the $200 million that the government is providing to support students with disability in both government and non-government schools, because as any educator knows, it is best to provide support early rather than wait until later when behavioural problems might be an indication that someone has got a learning disability. A disability loading will be introduced in 2015, which will provide support to students with disability based on the level of adjustment they need, and not just their simple diagnosis but unpacking the diagnosis delivered by a medical expert or an educational expert.

Given the reform program in place, it would be a little pre-emptive to support this motion put forward by the member for Dawson. Students with dyslexia will be supported with the implementation of the Gonski recommendations through the National Plan for School Improvement and, obviously, as the member for Dawson is a Queensland MP, he of course would be lobbying Premier Newman and education minister John-Paul Langbroek to make sure that Queensland does not miss out on the significant billions of dollars of funds that could change the lives of students with dyslexia, and every student. (Time expired)

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