- Reforms to support students and schools introduced
- Changes follow first comprehensive review into Education (General Provisions) Act since 2006
- The Queensland Government continues to build on its strong education record
Changes to the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 have been introduced to Parliament today following a broad review of Queensland's legislation.
Informed by extensive engagement with key stakeholders, the Bill will deliver changes that benefit Queensland's children, young people, families, teachers, and school support staff.
The amendments the bill will seek to change include improving the suspension and disciplinary process including creating supports to First Nations, Disabled and prep students and their families as well as providing all parents and students with appeal rights for short-term suspensions.
With the almost tripling of students being home schooled since COVID, the legislation will require home education to be provided in a way that is in the best interests of the child or young person, taking into account their safety and wellbeing. Including the requirement to follow the Australian Curriculum.
It will also cut red tape by streamlining the laws for state delivered kindy, protect students by the timely sharing of child safety information between schools, remove gender specific language, promoting inclusion and wellbeing and ensuring state special school enrolments are transferable, without the need for reassessment.
Other reforms included in the new legislation are:
- reducing the regulatory burden on Parents and Citizens (P&Cs) Associations with improved processes for multiple campus schools and managing donations between P&C Associations.
- improving access to eKindy and
- clarifying requirements for home educational programs and streamlining registration processes for home education.
Quotes attributable to Education Minister Di Farmer:
"These reforms to the state's education legislation will better serve the interests of Queensland students, families, teachers and communities as well as the operation of our schools and kindergartens.
"The reforms will not only streamline processes but provide better support for students and their families as well as teachers and school staff.
"With the increase in the number of families choosing home schooling, we need to make sure that the interests of the student are the priority especially in regard to their well-being and safety and this what this legislation will do.
"The Miles Government has a strong record when it comes to education, including a record $17.8 billion investment this year alone.
"We're building new schools, we're hiring new teachers and we're providing young Queenslanders with a world-class education, no matter where they live."
Quotes attributable to ICPA President Wendy Henning:
"The Isolated Children's Parents' Association welcomes the proposed changes to improve access to and participation in eKindy.
"With amendments to the distance and medical eligibility criteria, more Queensland children and families will be able to access the approved kindergarten distance education program for free.
"eKindy is an important kindergarten option for children living in rural and remote areas, travelling or medically unable to attend a free kindergarten program at a centre-based early childhood service.
Quotes attributable to P&C President Scott Wiseman:
"P & Cs Queensland welcomes moves to streamline regulations so that our Parents and Citizens Associations can continue to focus on supporting their school communities.
"We had also been asking for the ability for P&C Associations to donate money to P&Cs from other schools who may be experiencing hardship through natural disasters such as floods and are happy that our Associations will be able to support each other in this way."
Quotes attributable to QASEL President Andrew Thompson:
"Our members will welcome the streamlining of processes for students transferring between Queensland state special schools.
"Not requiring students' disabilities to be re-assessed when moving between state special schools will provide certainty for parents and remove what can be a burdensome requirement for families."
