Wednesday 23 August 2017
Hansard of the Legislative Council
EDUCATION AMENDMENT BILL 2017 (No. 46)
Second Reading

Mr FINCH (Rosevears) - Mr Deputy President, most of what I would have said has already been said.  I concur with the comments made by all previous speakers.  The member for Murchison's comments in respect of the minister are spot on.  The process we have been through a number of times in my 15 years in the upper House in trying to work with governments to seek the solutions and new ways forward for education have been challenging and results here have not always been correct.

As I explained earlier today to a colleague, here in the upper House, once bitten, twice shy, thrice bitten, four times shy.  When this bill came before us, we were very cautious and forensic about the way we went about our examination.  In the final analysis, looking back, it has been a terrific process for us.  We have listened to, have made suggestions and recommendations and have talked through the process.  That unfolding process has helped us end up with today's result, where we feel not only that we can agree with what the Government has put forward but are comfortable within ourselves that this is the right thing to do and the best decision for our young people.

I want to read an email into Hansard that has come in since people have spoken -

Ms Forrest - The member for Launceston read it in.

Mr FINCH - From the Australian Childcare Alliance?

Ms Forrest - Yes.

Mr FINCH - Apologies.  I may have been out.  I had some IT issues.  At least you know the member for Murchison was listening to what you were saying, which is good.  That email summed it up well, and I wanted to make sure we had it in Hansard.  The member for Launceston has already done that, so thank you.  I support the bill.