BRUMBY RELOCATES SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL AGAINST PARENTS' WISHES
5th March 2010
The forced relocation of Brunswick Special Development School (SDS) without adequate community consultation has angered parents, revealing how out of touch the Brumby Government is with community needs, Shadow Minister for Education Martin Dixon said.
"The move has caused outrage from parents of children at Brunswick Special Development School, as they fear their children's education and development will suffer considerably," Mr Dixon said.
"John Brumby has decided not to listen to the concerns of parents and disability networks, who have pleaded with the government not to force their children to relocate."
Last year on the last day of term, parents were informed without consultation that Brunswick Special Development School would be closed and moved to another site.
Dr Anne Murphy, a parent whose seven-year-old son attends Brunswick SDS, is shocked at the lack of consultation by the Brumby Government on the relocation of the school:
"The consultation process involved calling families and telling them that this was the only option for the school. Many families we have spoken to since being contacted by the School Council, including some from non-English speaking backgrounds, did not actually realise the school in Brunswick would be closing. The School Council has refused to review their consultation process despite repeated requests to do so."
"Parents are frustrated because the Brumby Government has chosen the most disruptive alternative by moving the school several suburbs away rather than rebuild on the current site, which is the preferred option of parents," Mr Dixon said.
"It is appalling that the Brumby Government has chosen not to listen to the community or even consult with them about options and alternatives - this is just another example of Labor arrogance when it comes to closing and merging schools.
"John Brumby does not care that moving Brunswick SDS means most students will either have to endure a longer bus ride twice a day or will not be able to attend the school any longer.
"Parents are concerned that the establishment of the successful integration program into local primary schools will also be lost to the community - an important process, which has positive benefits for children, parents and the community," Mr Dixon said.
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Martin Dixon MP
State Member for Nepean
Shop 1, McCrae Plaza
Cnr Lonsdale Street and Pt Nepean Road
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Phone: (61) 3 5986 6661
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Email: martin.dixon@parliament.vic.gov.au