Nola Marino (Forrest, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

the rural education rump. It is a very appropriate description of us, because we have been absolutely committed to this and we have been absolutely persistent. We have made several changes to improve the access for rural and regional students, but as I, the member for Grey and my colleagues know there is more work to be done.

I have worked consistently and persistently—I think they're the two words we would use, member for Grey—with my regional colleagues on this issue. The Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham, responded to what we knew needed to be done by asking Professor John Halsey to conduct an independent review into regional, rural and remote education. These are the fresh eyes that we've believed for some time were needed to look at what is the appropriate way to assist our young people in their education challenges. The review considered key ideas in the challenges and the barriers that affect students' learning outcomes. I've been pushing for and am very keen to see a fresh approach. It's what we've been seeking, and it's what the minister has responded to, through Professor Halsey. It would be a fresh approach that actually supports better access and better achievement for rural, regional and remote students. We want to see the transition to further study, training and work. These are all issues we've been working on for some time.

The review is actually going to investigate the gap in educational achievement between rural, regional and remote students and metropolitan students; the key barriers and challenges that I've talked about; the appropriateness and effectiveness of current modes of education delivered to regional, rural and remote students, including the use of information and communication technology; and the effectiveness of public policies and programs. This is where, I think, we're looking for that fresh approach to bridge the gaps and opportunities to help students successfully move from school to further study, training and employment. It will also critically look at new approaches—something we've sought for some time. It will look at a new approach that actually supports regional, rural and remote students to succeed in school and in their transition to further study, training and employment.

There have been a lot of consultations. As members on my side will know, I certainly insisted that Professor Halsey come to my electorate to hear firsthand the issues facing students, parents and educators in my electorate. As the member for Grey has said, Professor Halsey came to Bunbury. His focus on leadership and teacher quality is a key part of what we will see out of the Halsey report, in my view. Again, leadership in rural and regional areas is critically important. We have some amazing leaders in our schools, and they face additional challenges in rural, regional and even remote areas. As we on this side have said repeatedly, we understand directly how, unfortunately, the changes made by a Labor government many years ago have created an ongoing problem. We have made a number of changes that have improved the access for rural, regional and remote students. But there is more work to be done. With the persistence and the focus that my colleagues and I have on this matter, along with the support of the minister, I'm very sure there will be much we can use from what Professor Halsey delivers to make sure our students get fairer access, access that they need, to be able to pursue their higher education.

I deal with a number of families on a regular basis who find it incredibly challenging to meet the additional costs of sending students away to university. It is significant. It is very difficult for a couple who may be on an income just above the parental income test of $150,000. During the time that Labor had made the changes, I remember a woman came to see me and said, 'I've had to make a dreadful choice.' I said, 'What was your choice?' She said: 'I have five wonderful kids. They are all capable and are achieving wonderful ATAR scores, and all five want to train to be GPs.' We have a shortage of GPs in regional areas. She said, 'I have to make a choice as to which one of those is able to go to university.' That concerns me greatly. These families live and work and contribute so significantly to the economics and the prosperity that comes out of our region, which supports much of Australia, especially when you look at our exports. I am very pleased to support this bill and every measure ahead that we will take to improve access for rural and regional students. I thank and commend all of my colleagues who stayed with us in this whole process to make sure we reverse some of those changes made by Labor and look at new opportunities ahead for our rural and regional students.

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