Grammar Schools Bill 2016

As Minister for Education, introduced the second reading and explained the bill replaces the 1975 Act with modernised legislation, flagging acceptance of the committee's recommended amendment to add privacy safeguards for criminal history disclosures.

“The modest but important reforms contained in this bill will provide grammar schools with a contemporary framework to ensure the continued success of grammar schools in Queensland's education system... I commend the bill to the House.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Education Minister introduced the bill to replace the 1975 Grammar Schools Act with modern legislation, modifying board governance, reducing red tape, and removing the power to establish new grammar schools.

“The bill contains modest but important reforms that will ensure that grammar schools continue to play a role in Queensland’s education system into the future.”— 2016-08-16View Hansard

As shadow education minister, supported the bill which modernises grammar school governance, cuts red tape around financial accountability, and reforms board membership while accepting the committee's recommendation on safeguarding criminal history information.

“Educating our children should always be a priority. Providing choice in quality education options to parents and carers is something we should always encourage in the very strongest of terms because at the end of the day our children absolutely deserve it.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

As committee chair, supported the bill's reforms including removing the power to establish future grammar schools, providing flexibility for board appointments, and reducing red tape while maintaining financial accountability.

“I believe that these changes to the Grammar Schools Act are necessary to modernise the current legislation. We all acknowledge this evening the vital role that grammar schools provide right across our state as an alternative form of education. I therefore commend this bill to the House.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill's modernisation of board structure and succession planning, while urging the minister to address delays in appointing board members that can extend up to 18 months.

“I think the bill strikes a good balance, as I say, with the minister being aware there have been some lengthy delays in the past in relation to appointing those members to the board... I support the bill.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill including the board reform provisions, financial accountability changes and the safeguards for criminal history information disclosure.

“The aforementioned disclosure requirements are a safeguard for grammar schools and this amendment is necessary to meet community expectations. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill's cutting of red tape, removal of prescriptive financial accountability requirements, and changes to board membership while asking the minister about the process for ministerial appointments.

“It is something we can be very proud of and I look forward to continuing to support the passage of this bill through the House.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as providing choice in education, noting the bill's changes to board membership and criminal history checks are important for grammar school boards.

“This is a good bill and it is good to see choice in education. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting the committee's amendment recommendation regarding safeguards for criminal history information and noting the exemption for Sunshine Coast Grammar School in his electorate.

“The committee has considered the bill and the information provided by the department and the information and views expressed in submissions and recommended that the bill be passed.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as a common-sense modernisation removing prescriptive financial requirements in favour of generic statutory bodies legislation, and reforming board membership for better succession planning.

“This bill is underpinned by two of the fundamental principles of the Palaszczuk Labor government when it comes to education. One is that every child has the right to have the same access to high-quality public education in his or her own local area and also that every student has the right to access the education of their choice.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill's three major changes to board membership, financial accountability red tape reduction, and prevention of new grammar schools, while advocating for equal funding across schools.

“We need to make sure that there is choice for parents and that schools are equally funded across-the-board to ensure that each child, no matter where they live, is not discriminated against.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting Ipswich Grammar School (the first grammar school) and Ipswich Girls Grammar School in her electorate as outstanding examples of the sector.

“I am very pleased to support the Grammar Schools Bill 2016 and I commend it to the House.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill's modernisation of grammar school governance, highlighting Brisbane Girls Grammar and Brisbane Grammar in her electorate and noting the bill cuts red tape without compromising governance oversight.

“This bill really establishes them for the future. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

As a former Rockhampton Grammar School captain, supported the bill whose main purpose is to maintain public confidence in grammar schools and regulate their governance and administration.

“This evening I rise to speak in support of the Grammar Schools Bill 2016. The main purpose of the bill is to maintain public confidence in grammar schools and to regulate the governance and administration of grammar schools.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill's reforms, highlighting that the minister's power to obtain criminal history information is balanced by safeguards to protect the rights of individuals.

“The bill includes safeguards to protect the interests of individuals whose criminal history is obtained under the act. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard