SCHOOL AMALGAMATIONS

Mr PISONI (Unley) (14:40): My question is for the Minister for Education and Child Development. Can the minister inform the house of the cost of the review committees set up to examine the amalgamation of junior primary and primary schools, and will schools currently going through this process be forced to amalgamate even if amalgamation is rejected by the review and school communities?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Education and Child Development) (14:41): I thank the member for this question. It is an important question. As the Premier mentioned a moment ago, there is a requirement under the Education Act for a review to be undertaken in these cases. I do not have the precise figures of what the cost is of those reviews, but it is a very important step in the process. I am absolutely committed to considering each one of those reviews. As the Premier has said, a number of schools have already voluntarily chosen to come together. So, I am very happy to get that information for you.