Answers to Questions

SCHOOL FUNDING

17 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (9 May 2007).

1. What Science and Information Economy Programs are currently in place to assist students and teachers in the education of science, mathematics and information economy, how much funding has been allocated to each of these programs in 2006-07 and how many forward years have these programs been budgeted for?

2. What programs or grant allocations have been implemented to replace the funding previously allocated to the Australian Mathematics and Science School, Investigator Science and Technology Centre and Technology School of the Future, respectively?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Gambling):

1. The primary responsibility for the educational needs of students and the professional development of teachers is the responsibility of the Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECS). The innov8 program, developed by DFEEST's Science and Innovation Directorate, aims to improve community awareness of the importance and impact of science, technology and innovation on the State’s economic, social and environmental future. The program funds a number of science awareness initiatives that directly and indirectly impact on student and teacher science education and awareness. During 2006-07, DFEEST provided funding of just over $400,000 for initiatives as diverse as National Science Week, South Australian Science Excellence Awards, the Tall Poppy Campaign, Flinders School of the 21st Century and CSIRO Secondary Education Centre (CSIROSEC), Australian Science and Mathematics Scholarships, the Entrepreneurs Challenge, as well as supporting scientific conferences held in South Australia. In the area of Information Economy, a program specifically relating to student education, is the Electronics Industry Education Initiative (EI)2. For the 2006-07 period, $156,000 was allocated to this program. During 2006-07 DFEEST also supported the Investigator Science and Technology Centre through its decision to cease trading.

2. The Australian Science and Mathematics School received funding from DFEEST for a period of three years commencing in 2003-04. This investment was made through DFEEST’s commitment to the SciMaths Strategy coordinated through the Department of Education and Children’s Services. The total funding allocated to the ASMS for student scholarships during this three year period was $150,000. This program ceased in 2005-06. To assist current students complete their on-going studies at the ASMS, an additional $14,000 has been allocated for the next two years. Funding for the Investigator Science and Technology Centre ceased in 2005-06, due to its Board’s decision to cease trading. DFEEST sought Cabinet approval to redirect this funding and continue using the funds for science awareness programs. From 2007-08 part of the funding ($228,000 p.a.) will be used to increase the current activities of the CSIRO Secondary Education Centre based in South Australia. The guidance of the Premier’s Science and Research Council will be sought to assist DFEEST determine how the remaining proportion ($272,000) of the funds will be used. Around $5 million has also been committed to the establishment of the Royal Institution of Australia (Ri Australia), based in Adelaide. The Ri Australia will be located in the Adelaide Stock Exchange Building, and will act as an iconic hub of science awareness activities, connecting scientists, technologists and engineers with individuals, families, students, educators, media, government and industry. The Technology School for the Future is the responsibility of the Department of Education and Children’s Services, not DFEEST.