Public School Teachers

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:01): Supplementary question: does the minister have any words of reassurance for parents who might be concerned about strikes and the potential for future strikes?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:01): I thank the honourable member for his question. As is well known and on the public record, the union had polled the membership and had decided to look to conduct a strike this Friday. That was disappointing but it is the union's right to do that. I think a counteroffer of sorts was received from the union well after they had initiated the strike action about 15 minutes before the ballot closed—and, again, that is the union's right—and they have the ability to do that.

In terms of what it means for parents, if I remember correctly, sometime tomorrow further advice will be given to parents about exactly what to expect at each place they would be sending their children, but I think the education minister has been on the public record saying that there will be something occurring at every school site around South Australia to cater for children. It might not be the full program that would usually occur, but there will be something at sites for children. As I said, we will continue to negotiate in good faith with the teachers' union.