EDUCATION AMENDMENT BILL 2006 (NO. 2)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Circulated by Andrew Barr MLA
Minister for Education and Training

Overview

This Bill clarifies and expands on the requirement in the Education Act 2004 for the Minister, before closing or amalgamating a government school, to consult adequately with affected school communities during a period of at least six months.

Summary of Clauses

Clause 1 – Name of Act 							
This Act is the Education Amendment Act 2006 (No. 2).

Clause 2 – Commencement	
This clause provides for commencement on the day after notification.

Clause 3 – Legislation amended
This Act amends the Education Act 2004.

Clause 4 – New section 20 (6) and (7)
New subsection (6) places requirements on the Minister to ensure that adequate consultation is undertaken on a proposal to close or amalgamate a government school.

New subsection (7) sets out five principles which must govern consultation on a proposal to close or amalgamate a government school.