Mr WETTENHALL (6 August 2009) (2.42 pm): It is with pleasure that I rise to contribute to the consideration in detail of the Appropriation Bill 2009. As chair of Estimates Committee G that examined the portfolio areas of Education and Training and Child Safety and Sport, at the outset I wish to thank all members of the committee for their participation in the work of the committee and their cooperation in the estimates process.

The estimates process is an important component of our system of government. It is one of the mechanisms by which ministers are accountable to the parliament for the money spent and proposed to be spent on the activities of their respective departments and agencies.

The general criticisms of the estimates process contained in the statement of reservations by the members for Bundaberg and Moggill are nothing more than vague assertions. They lack reasons or substance. I note that principally the
matters of which they complain are governed by the standing orders which do provide for the number of questions on notice and for the time allowed for questions without notice-currently nine hours for each committee.

I would like to thank the Hon. Geoff Wilson, the Minister for Education and Training, and the Hon. Phil Reeves, the Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport, and the staff of their respective departments and agencies for the manner in which they conducted themselves at the hearing and for the way in which they answered the questions put to them.

In the short time available, I just want to touch on a couple of features of the examination that took place of those portfolio areas starting with the education budget for 2009-10 which is $9 billion approximately, of which $1.46 billion is earmarked for capital works including new schools, land acquisitions, $301 million for the Tomorrow's Schools program and $43.7 million for the schools solar and
energy efficiency program. That program will significantly reduce school electricity bills. As well, it is expected to save 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

School maintenance will also receive a boost of $148 million. The committee also examined the $20.3 million literacy and numeracy action plan in light of the
recommendations of Professor Geoff Masters who was commissioned by the government to recommend ways to lift literacy and numeracy standards. Graduate teachers will undergo testing to ensure that they can effectively teach the key learning areas of numeracy, literacy and science. Students entering teaching courses will also be tested in these key areas so that additional support can be provided throughout the four-year teaching course if necessary. In addition, funding has been allocated for 80 literacy and numeracy coaches and 100 extra science teachers for years 4 to 7.

Other matters examined included the support provided in state schools to students with disabilities. There are 17,800 students with disabilities attending Queensland state schools. Some $395 million is being spent in 2009-10 on programs and services to support them, including $8.2 million for capital works for special schools and $3.6 million for upgraded facilities in state schools. Over $10 million will be
provided to support students with disabilities through the employment of 90 additional full-time equivalent teachers and 2,174 teacher aide hours.

I was also pleased to learn that 333 laptops have been supplied to teachers in the Barron River electorate at a cost of over $360,000 as part of a state-wide program providing laptop computers to every permanent state school or TAFE teacher working two or more days per week.

In the current economic circumstances, the plight of apprentices who have lost their jobs is of critical importance and was a matter examined at the hearing. The government has established a trade training task force and provided $20 million for a safety net for apprentices who have lost their jobs.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the committee staff-Jo Mathers and Amanda Honeyman-and all of the parliamentary staff who assisted in the smooth running of the estimates process. I commend the report to the House.