WA schools ‘left in limbo' while major review in the lurch: opposition
Opposition Education Minister Liam Staltari said as schools returned for term 3 this week, families and teachers were still 'in the dark' about whether they would receive vital support in the classroom.
The School Education Act Review was first announced by then-education minister Tony Buti in December 2023.
At the time, Buti said cultural change, attitude change, and more resources for teachers were needed so every child could 'reach their full potential, no matter their postcode or special needs', and apologised to parents of those living with a disability for 'letting them down' in the past.
It marked the first review of the act in almost a quarter of a century.
The consultation phase concluded in October 2024 and, according to the WA Department of Education's website, the final report was meant to be provided to the minister by December that year.
However, there has so far been no news on the findings or what information was gleaned from more than 200 formal submissions and 30 consultation and information sessions.
The review now rests in the hands of current Education Minister Sabine Winton.
Staltari, also the opposition's disability services minister, said figures from June 30 showed the education department was supporting 18,034 students in government primary and secondary schools – 5.5 per cent of all public school students – through Individual Disability Allocation.
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