Building Better Schools Program

The Hon. T.T. NGO (17:13): I have a supplementary question arising from the answer. Can the Treasurer guarantee that he or his government will not forcibly close or amalgamate any schools as a result of primary schools losing year 7 students to high schools?

The PRESIDENT: That is a new question, the Hon. Mr Ngo, but since I have been generous today I will allow the Treasurer, who is keen to answer the question, to reply.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (17:13): Indeed, as a former minister for education. That is a question I will need to put to the Minister for Education. I have no ministerial responsibility in relation to the closure or otherwise of schools in South Australia. My understanding, as not the minister for education, is that there are provisions within the Education Act that actually govern the closure of schools. I think they are provisions that the former government actually, with the assistance of the former member for Chaffey, put into the legislation. My understanding is those provisions still exist within the Education Act, and they would govern any response that the current government could have in relation to issues of closures of schools. I will refer the honourable member's question to my colleague the Minister for Education and bring back a response.