Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator O'Neill for her question. To go specifically to the question in relation to enrolment numbers, I'm sure the senator would know that I don't precisely have enrolment numbers. I am aware of reports and I have looked back at some of the My School data surrounding some of the schools that have been reported upon and I can say that over a number of years a number of those schools have seen reductions in terms of their student enrolments. Of course, I am sure Senator O'Neill would understand that there are many factors that can impact upon the enrolment numbers in a school: the demographics of a certain community, the perceptions of that school—a whole range of different impacts. And, of course, for a number of those schools over a number of years we can see there have been steady enrolment declines that certainly pre-date any decisions of this government or, certainly, legislation passed by this chamber.

But I do note the senator's comments, to continue to mislead about the notion of school funding cuts—indeed, her reference to Labor's alleged promise of additional funding that has been made to Archbishop Hart. I wonder where all the letters to all the other school sectors are? I wonder where the letter is to the New South Wales government, which Senator O'Neill should be so concerned about? Where is the letter to the New South Wales government saying how much extra funding they would get from Mr Shorten? And I do acknowledge former minister Adrian Piccoli in the gallery today, and Professor John Hattie with him—both outstanding educators.