Answers to Questions

COLES CAMPAIGN

In reply to the Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (15 September 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): The Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade and Minister for Small Business has advised:

1. The Coles 'Down, down and staying down' campaign complies with the National Code of Practice for Sponsorship and Promotion in School Education which was developed by a working party of the Australian Education Council (AEC) in conjunction with the Industry Education Forum and the Business Council of Australia, parent and school council organisations, and teacher unions established to examine school-industry links. The joint working party was established at the 66^th AEC Meeting (Melbourne, October 1991). The draft code developed by the working party was considered by Ministers at the 68^th AEC Meeting (Auckland, September 1992).

Consultation with the Australian Competition and Consumer Council (ACCC) confirms that; 'It is difficult to see that such sponsorship would give rise to any competition issues under Part IV of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010'. Individual businesses could contact any school to engage in any sponsorship arrangements and provided the company does not present an ethical conflict, i.e. an alcohol, tobacco or similar business, then it is the decision of the school whether it engages or not.

Participation on the program is not in breach of any existing policies or guidelines and is entirely voluntary, however I understand that Hon. Peter Garrett AM MP, Minister for School Education, has raised the issue with the panel in charge of reviewing school funding arrangements. While many South Australian public, private and independent schools have chosen to participate in the program so far, I am also aware there are many South Australian schools that are not participating.

The Minister for Education and Childhood Development has advised:

2. Within the Department for Education and Child Development, participation in the Coles program is an individual decision for school principals and is not something that has been promoted by the department to its staff or schools.

3. Participation on the program is not in breach of any existing policies or guidelines and is entirely voluntary but principals are expected to always work closely with their school community to make decisions in the best interests of students and the local community.