This motion, brought forward by Canberra Liberals MLA Jeremy Hanson, called on the ACT Government to follow through on commitments made to modernise and expand Majura Primary School, and to replace Lyneham High’s gymnasium. It further required the Government to update the Assembly on actions taken in response to committee recommendations regarding school infrastructure.
Education Minister Yvette Berry MLA proposed amendments to note public school enrolments had not grown as expected, and that the ACT Government would make decisions based on the evidence for the whole ACT public school system.
While Thomas appreciates how declining enrolments may justify not following through on projects, he is concerned that declining enrolments may be caused by underinvestment in the public education system, meaning that cancelling projects because of declining enrolments risks creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. He opposed ACT Labor’s amendments.
The amendments were voted down, with the Canberra Liberals’ unamended motion passed with support from Thomas, the ACT Greens, and fellow Independent Fiona Carrick MLA.