Mehreen Faruqi NSW, Australian Greens
4:18 pm
I move:
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) the Federal Government has announced $10 million in Special Circumstances Funding to drought affected schools, but has specifically excluded public schools from receiving this funding, and
(ii) more than 80% of students in rural and remote areas are enrolled in public schools and they are also deeply impacted by the drought; and
(b) calls on the Federal Government to establish a fund for government schools facing hardship as a result of ongoing drought conditions.
Jonathon Duniam Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Jonathon Duniam Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries
Government schools are the responsibility of state and territory governments. As the predominant funder of non-government schools, it is appropriate that the Commonwealth government support non-government schools affected by natural disasters, including drought and flood. The recently announced $10 million special circumstances funding assistance will help ensure the viability of many non-government schools that expect to provide fee relief, counselling and other support for many students from drought affected areas.
Scott Ryan President
The question is that motion No. 322, in the name of Senator Faruqi, be agreed to.