Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) the Federal Government has announced $10 million in Special Circumstances Funding to drought affected schools, but has specifically excluded public schools from receiving this funding, and

(ii) more than 80% of students in rural and remote areas are enrolled in public schools and they are also deeply impacted by the drought; and

(b) calls on the Federal Government to establish a fund for government schools facing hardship as a result of ongoing drought conditions.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute,

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Government schools are the responsibility of state and territory governments. As the predominant funder of non-government schools, it is appropriate that the Commonwealth government support non-government schools affected by natural disasters, including drought and flood. The recently announced $10 million special circumstances funding assistance will help ensure the viability of many non-government schools that expect to provide fee relief, counselling and other support for many students from drought affected areas.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 322, in the name of Senator Faruqi, be agreed to.