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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-11-24 Daily Xml
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MUSTARD, DR F.

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:36): My question is to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Can the minister please advise the house on how the work of Dr Fraser Mustard has influenced the government's approach to establishing a new Department for Education and Child Development?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Education and Child Development) (14:37): I would like to thank the member for Florey for this very important question. As members are well aware, this state government has established a new Department for Education and Child Development that brings together the health, family and education services that we provide to children and their families. The objective of the agency, as I have said before in this place, is to ensure that every child in our community gets the best start in life.

There is no question that what we have done has been influenced by the work of Dr Mustard, during his tenure, in particular, as a Thinker in Residence. Therefore, it is with great sadness that we learnt of his death on 18 November. So, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on his achievements and his contributions.

Dr Mustard brought with him to South Australia an outstanding intellect and vast experience as an international leader in early childhood development. This compassionate advocate for children urged South Australia to maintain and build upon our leadership in the early years and, in particular, to continue with our children's centres—and I believe we have some 23.

He drew South Australia's attention to the new knowledge that was emerging about early brain development and its effect on the behaviour and opportunities for young people right throughout their lives. The importance of this research, and the value of connecting child and family health and wellbeing support with the work of our schools and preschools, are cornerstones to our new agency.

At international level, Dr Mustard was involved with governments in Canada and Australia, of course, with the World Bank, UNICEF and many other organisations. He led the Founders' Network—a virtual research organisation that suggests practical solutions to the complex problems facing society and seeks to put research findings and ideas into action in communities worldwide.

At the heart of Dr Mustard's strategy was an approach that puts child development in those critical early years at the centre of policies right across government, and that is precisely what this government has sought to do. He certainly helped inspire our approach to putting children and families right at the centre of our services. I take this opportunity, on behalf of everyone in this place, to acknowledge Dr Fraser Mustard, and we extend our condolences to his family.

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