2015
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FOR THE
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

BOARD OF SENIOR SECONDARY STUDIES AMENDMENT BILL 2015

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT      

Presented by
Joy Burch MLA
Minister for Education and Training
May 2015

BOARD OF SENIOR SECONDARY STUDIES AMENDMENT BILL 2015
Overview of the Bill
The Board of Senior Secondary Studies Amendment Bill 2015 amends the Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997 to widen the membership of the Board, allow for proxy voting at Board meetings and to include specific provision for the delivery of curriculum, assessment and certification services to overseas schools.
Outline of the Provisions
Part 1	Title
Clause 1 – Name of Act
This clause names the Act as the Board of Senior Studies Amendment Act 2015.
Clause 2 – Commencement
This is a clause setting out when the act will commence. It is intended the act will commence on the day after its notification day.
It should be noted the naming and commencement provisions automatically commence on the notification day, as specified in the Legislation Act 2001,s 75 (1).
Clause 3 – Legislation amended
This clause identifies the legislation amended by the Act. It indicates the Act amends the Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997.
Clause 4 – Section 3B
This clause expands the definition of a “recognised educational institution” to overseas schools by enabling the Minister to declare an overseas school to be recognised educational institutions if they meet the following conditions.
(a)	They are established and operate in another country.
(b)	They do not operate in Australia.
(c)	They have an agreement with the Board with regard to one or more of course accreditation, assessment, certification and other functions of the Board that relate to the provision of senior secondary education.
Clause 5 – Membership of board. New section 8 (1) (ea)
This clause increases the number of Board members by the appointment of a person after consultation by the Australian Catholic University.

Clause 6 – Section 8 (1) (l)
This clause allows for the appointment of a board member after consultation with business and industry organisations. It replaces the appointment of a Board member from the ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce which no longer exists.
Clause 7 – New section 16A
This clause ensures that board members are able to exercise their right to vote on Board decisions in their absence.