Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

Dyslexia is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as 'a disorder involving a difficulty in learning to read words; also to identify numerals and symbols.' I commend Dyslexia Australia, whose motto is 'Our mission—not to teach someone, but to allow them to learn…' There is no quick fix, no cure for dyslexia. Dyslexics can correct their reading when given correct teaching methods and through adoption of resilience in a multidisciplinary approach. In fact, this federal Labor government has made child and youth health initiatives a really high priority in terms of early intervention in areas like this with preventative approaches with interdisciplinary coordination across a number of agencies. We have also seen that with our commitment of $200 million into schools in relation to disability.

Kerry Packer was one of Australia's most famous and most successful dyslexics. As a child, his father called him a boofhead and would give him a hiding because, in his words, he was 'academically stupid'. The attitudes of Australians have come a long way since the days of Sir Frank Packer. We know that dyslexics can learn differently but they are certainly not academically stupid.

I think the member for Dawson has been somewhat good in his intention in bringing this motion. In fact, I had a close look at it and commend him for his obvious commitment to this particular issue.

Dyslexics really do have a challenge. I have met a number in my capacity as federal member. They have problems with memory, cognition, writing and motor skills. They often have problems with hearing. Speaking patterns are often different. Behaviour problems often emerge, and there are personality issues. But I must say that, in terms of assistance for people with dyslexia, I did note what the member for Moreton talked about in terms of schooling, education and, particularly, funding. The member for Dawson in his particular motion actually makes the point that there is a connection with education, schooling and funding. I say to the member for Dawson: although I do believe he has a good heart on this issue, he would be better off pouring his efforts into speaking with his LNP state colleagues about signing up for the National Plan for School Improvement.

The people of Dawson would need to know that the National Plan for School Improvement would provide local schools in the electorate of Dawson with an additional $150 million over the next four years. Perhaps he should let the people, parents, friends and students at Mackay North State High School know that they would receive over $15 million in additional funding under the Gonski scheme that Campbell Newman and the LNP state government in Queensland refused to sign up to. What a difference that may make to students at Mackay North State High School who have dyslexia or other learning difficulties—or Bloomsbury State School in the electorate of Dawson, which would receive an additional 62 per cent in funding under the National Plan for School Improvement. What a difference the hundreds of thousands of dollars would make to students with disabilities and challenging learning difficulties in that school.

The National Plan for School Improvement will change the way we fund students and schools with large numbers of people with disability. A disability loading will provide support for students with disability based on the level of adjustment. That would make a big difference in the lives of kids in my electorate of Blair and also in the electorate of Dawson. There would be more one-on-one attention, more modern equipment, better training for teachers and more understanding of dyslexia. But, regrettably, the Leader of the Opposition in this parliament and the Premier of Queensland stand in the way of that additional funding in electorates like Blair and Dawson.

This government has done more to support children with learning disabilities than any other government previously. This government has implemented child and youth initiatives to ensure that conditions such as dyslexia are discovered early. We know that early intervention is so critical. The National Early Childhood Development Strategy, developed by COAG, seeks to ensure that all children up to eight years of age have the best start in life. Our goal in this parliament must be to ensure that our children are born healthy, grow up healthy and have the support in schools to make a difference in their lives. That is why the Healthy Kids Check ensures that. I commend the government for what they do and point out to the member— (Time expired)

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