SCHOOL AMALGAMATIONS

Mr PISONI (Unley) (14:42): I have a supplementary question. The Premier said there will not be a consideration of changes; you said there will. Who is right?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Education and Child Development) (14:42): No, that is not what I said. What I said, which is exactly what the Premier said, is that there is a requirement—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! You asked the supplementary; listen to the answer.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: A review of each amalgamation needs to occur, that is, for those schools that are not doing it on a voluntary basis. I will look at each one of those reports and consider them on a case by case basis. I am absolutely committed—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Pisoni interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Unley, you have asked a question.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: The policy as announced by the government in relation to these amalgamations is not changing. My predecessor—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Unley, you are warned.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: The process that I am complying with and using to assist me make the decision is exactly the same one that my predecessor was complying with. So, that has not changed. What I am saying to the member for Unley is that I am also required to consider reports in relation to the amalgamations as required under the Education Act and I will take that very seriously.