Nick Xenophon (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Hansard source

As I understand it, what is before the chamber are amendments (1) and (2) on sheet 8177 moved by Senator Hanson-Young on behalf of the Australian Greens, and also amendment (1) on sheet 8179, and that Senator Hanson-Young is not proceeding with amendment 3) on sheet 8177, which relates to government amendment (7) at item 106. My understanding, very clearly, is that the first two amendments on sheet 8177 relate to the National School Resourcing Board and that there must be an independent review annually, but that Senator Hanson-Young has substituted amendment (3) on sheet 8177, so the issue of the reviews is the issue that it addresses, rather than requiring the publication of information.

I think that gives more discretion and does not force information to be published. I thought that was a more sensible amendment in the context of this. Can I say, on behalf of my colleagues, that we support these amendments. We think that the first two amendments may be redundant in light of proposed section 22A and proposed amendments to section 78 of the act, but I do not think there is any problem in it being restated in respect of that. We think that these are sensible in terms of transparency and how the funding is distributed, and also in relation to measuring improved educational outcomes for students against the rate of school funding. These are good transparency measures and I and my colleagues will support them. I will not speak any longer because I understand that my colleague Senator Lambie may have something to say about it.