- Consultation
period now open for the review of the School Education Act 1999 to
strengthen access and inclusion for students with disability
- Review
led by an independent expert panel and advisory council
- Members
of the public can have their say online with feedback closing 4 October 2024
Public consultation has now opened as part of the review of the School
Education Act 1999.
The review was first announced in December 2023 with the aim of identifying
opportunities to strengthen access and inclusion for students with disability.
Members of the public can submit their feedback on the Discussion Paper online
or through other accessible means. The Discussion Paper has been converted to
numerous accessible formats and translated into several languages. There is
also a video to help children and young people get involved in the review.
In addition to submitted feedback, there will also be targeted
consultation with key stakeholders and engagement with children and young
people with disability.
An expert panel led by Telethon Kids Institute autism researcher
Professor Andrew Whitehouse has provided input and strategic guidance throughout
the review process, in addition to advisory council members.
Since the Act was introduced in 1999, community understandings of, and
expectations about, students with disability have changed and evolved.
This combined with many inquiries and consultations have highlighted the
need to strengthen work being done in a broad range of areas including the
participation, recognition, equity, rights and attitudes towards young people
with disabilities and how best the Department of Education can support children
with disability to thrive.
The consultation period will conclude on 4 October 2024.
Comments attributed to
Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"I am pleased stakeholders and members of the public can now provide
feedback as part of the review process.
"It is important everyone has the opportunity to have their input
included so the views of the community on this important topic are reflected.
"I look forward to this progressing to ensure we can strengthen our
ability to provide the ongoing access, inclusion and services that students
with disability require."
