Buti withdrew the comment made in the first estimates session shortly after,and conceded it was inappropriate,but said he had been disappointed in Davies’ comments on the same issue in parliament on Thursday.
Education Minister Tony Buti said this was a chance to have a fresh look at the way universities were performing.Holly Thompson
Last week,Davies asked whether funding for the college had been included in the total $6.4 billion education spend in the state budget.
Buti replied,“I assume the member is not coming to estimates next week?” to which Davies responded:“I am not taking criticism. I have just been criticised for not asking budget questions,minister. Get across your portfolios,please.”
On Tuesday,Buti said Davies should have refrained from asking about the funding to the college,instead of “being a smart arse last week.”
“I have every right to ask questions about issues in my electorate during question time. That was an inappropriate comment,” Davies replied.
Buti said Cunderdin would receive some funding through the maintenance and minor works assessment program.
“Without having the specifics,it will be used in things such as removing asbestos ... mould that is visible on walls,ceilings and floors ... roof repairs,termite infestations and damage ... I am not saying that all that money,that $1.7 million,will be used at Cunderdin,but they are the sort of projects it will be used for,” Buti said.
School safety in spotlight
Tuesday’s discussions also covered key issues in the education sector,including violence in schools and the role of technology in its increase.
Davies said Northam Senior High School in particular had expressed the need for a perimeter fence after a spate of violent “incursions” from outsiders,who had easily entered the school grounds and attacked staff and students.
Buti said he had not been made aware of the issue and encouraged the school to advise the department on what had happened.
But he expressed doubt over fencing off schools,and felt it was “better if you can invite the community in,but I know in some cases it’s not possible”.
He said there were security guards the department would fund and send to schools,but was hopeful this measure would not be necessary during school hours.
He later confirmed the work for the fence was now out to tender.
Early offers to university was another topic,with Buti stating universities had delayed announcing any early offers until July,and that three had said they won’t continue with providing unconditional offers.
He said a state government review of the university sector would be completed in October but did not reveal whether it would be made public.
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