ACT Government delivers on school upgrades

Posted on January 12, 2012 by chrisbourke

Over the five year period to 30 June 2011, the ACT Government’s has invested more than $162 million in ACT public schools, as part of our on-going commitment to provide first class learning environments.

In addition to establishing our new early childhood schools, every existing ACT public school has benefitted from significant funding to improve their staff and student facilities. Examples include:

  • Torrens Primary School – $2.5 million upgrade with two-thirds of the classrooms refurbished and a new security fence installed;
  • Melba-Copland Secondary School – $6.8 million in upgrades includes improved arts facilities, student services and computer labs;
  • Belconnen High School – $6.3 million for  a new gymnasium and a refurbished staff room and science area;
  • Stromlo High School – $7.2 million for a new gymnasium, front office and administration upgrade and other improvement works;
  • Narrabundah College  – $7.1 million for a new languages centre, extension to the resource centre, upgrade of the drama areas and other improvement works;
  • Lyneham High School – $5.9 million for a new performing arts centre, a new lift and other minor works; and
  • Calwell High School – $4 million for a new performing arts centre and other minor refurbishments.

A complete list of the projects undertaken at each school is available from the Education and Training Directorate website: www.det.act.gov.au/school_education/schools_renewal

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UCIT announcement – collaborative venture between UC and CIT

Posted on December 22, 2011 by chrisbourke

UCIT announcement – Video

Last Friday I announced that the ACT Government will initiate a collaborative venture between the Canberra Institute of Technology and the University of Canberra.

This collaborative venture will be known as UCIT or the University of Canberra Institute of Technology. It will be jointly owned by the two institutions and supported by the ACT Government.

UCIT will be an exciting new educational entity offering innovative programs in professional vocational education. This will expand the ACT tertiary education market and better cater to the ACT population to promote upskilling and workforce development.

A UCIT specialising in diplomas, advanced diplomas and associate degrees will be appealing to students who want either a stepping stone onto a University degree or those seeking a professionally focused qualification which can be completed in one or two years. Many people are daunted by the prospect of three or four years of full time study to achieve a qualification. This will be an alternative.

The UCIT brand can be clearly marketed into this niche opportunity which is currently under exploited within the Australian educational market.

Both CIT and UC support this new venture and I look forward to UCIT’s commencing operations in 2013.

Canberra is already the Learning Capital, the Clever Capital and the Education Capital. The new venture that I am announcing today will position us for the 21st Century.

I congratulate all those who have worked so hard to ensure Canberra’s education future will be one of innovation, challenge and enterprise.

I thank Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley, Professor Stephen Parker and Mr Adrian Marron for all the work that they have put into achieving this outcome. I also acknowledge the work of my predecessor, Andrew Barr, and thank him for his encouragement during the final decisions.

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Year 10 Excellence Awards for Outstanding Achievement

Posted on December 13, 2011 by chrisbourke

I was delighted to present the Paperchain Bookstore Manuka Year 10 Excellence Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the High School Years. Awards were presented to students from ACT public high schools who have excelled in academic work and non-curricular activities including peer mentoring, sports, state and national competitions and charity work.

The awards celebrate student growth as a learner, a person, and as a school and community member.

These students have each taken the opportunities provided by their schools and produced excellence in a range of areas. Qualities demonstrated include academic excellence and perseverance, sporting prowess, sportsmanship, artistic and musical ability, integrity, leadership and a desire to contribute to the world, starting in their own communities.

I recognise that the strength of ACT public schools and the success of the exemplary young people is a reflection of the ACT Government’s commitment to public education. The excellent educators who work in our public schools have also been instrumental to their students’ achievements.

I also acknowledge the roles that parents, carers, families and friends play in supporting the students and giving them invaluable encouragement and guidance.

Paperchain Bookstore Manuka is the main sponsor of the Awards and has also provided a $50 book voucher for each award winner. The ACT Government thanks Paperchain Bookstore Manuka for its support of public education in Canberra.

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ACT Government 5th Minister announced

Posted on December 12, 2011 by chrisbourke

I was honoured to join Katy Gallagher’s Cabinet after receiving the unanimous support of my colleagues at Caucus on 21 November 2011. I am particularly excited by the portfolio responsibilities the Chief Minister has given me including Education and Training, Industrial Relations, Corrections and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.

For me the vision is clear: we must use our existing assets in the knowledge economy to build the Clever Capital where ideas are grown and then marketed to the world. Canberra is home to five universities and the CIT as well as research institutions like the CSIRO.

Of course education is about more than the tertiary sector. I recently visited the Southern Cross Early Childhood School in Scullin in my electorate. This innovative school has early childhood education and care, preschool and junior primary school – all on one campus. It is the beginning of a seamless approach to education, from cradle to work. I look forward to continuing the work of the current Minister for Education and Training to deliver continual improvement of our education system to ensure Canberra students are receiving the best education in the nation. I am also committed to continuing the good work that has already been done in helping to close the gap in educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will be another of my new responsibilities. I look forward to working with the Education directorate, schools, principals and teachers to deliver the best public education system in the country.

I also see important linkages between Education and Corrections. This was evident to me when I visited the Alexander Maconochie Centre shortly after my election to the Legislative Assembly. Many of the prisoners have poor literacy and numeracy so their rehabilitation will be dependent upon the education and training we can provide. Industrial Relations is a key portfolio in terms of the Government’s relationships with its own employees across all directorates. I am therefore pleased to be taking carriage of this area as well.

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Labor candidates for Ginninderra in 2012 announced

Posted on November 21, 2011 by chrisbourke


On Friday 18 November ACT Labor introduced its five candidates for Ginninderra in 2012: Yvette Berry, Mary Porter, Glen McCrea, Jayson Hinder and Chris Bourke. Chris and Mary are of course sitting MLAs, while Yvette, Glen and Jayson are new faces.

The diverse slate of candidates includes an economist, an activist, a commercial lawyer, a community sector leader and of course a health professional. Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said, “Our five candidates in Ginninderra represent a great combination of skills and life experiences with backgrounds in business, strong community advocacy and a vision for a better future for our city.”

Chris is looking forward to working with his Labor colleagues for a return of the Gallagher government in 2012 and strong, effective representation for the people of Ginninderra.

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Opening of Grace Place training and events centre

Posted on November 17, 2011 by chrisbourke

Chris, representing the Minister for Economic Development, Mr Andrew Barr MLA, recently launched Canberra’s newest training and events centre Grace Place. Located in the heart of Belconnen this new and modern centre will meet the needs of the expanding business community of Belconnen.

“Over the past five years there has been continued growth and expansion in the Belconnen area. The Belconnen Town Centre is a thriving and diverse hub for its residents and business alike. Facilities such as Grace Place help to further shape and develop the character of the area,” Dr Bourke said.

“The greater Belconnen community has 25 suburbs, and over 85,000 residents; it is no surprise that a venue such as this is a wanted and needed service for the Belconnen community.”

There are currently 42 building works in progress in the Belconnen area valued at over $700 million and there are another 26 developments valued at over $920 million in planned works.

“I would like to thank and congratulate Pastor Brian Medway and Lara Medway for operating Grace Place, and I wish them every success with the business,” concluded Dr Bourke.

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Chief Minister’s ACT National History Challenge Awards

Posted on November 17, 2011 by chrisbourke

Chris presented the Chief Minister’s ACT National History Challenge Awards to winning students last week. Above, he is pictured awarding the Yr 9/10 medal to Phillip Taleski from Marist College. Phillip also won the Indigenous Australia Category with an insightful essay about the 1967 referndum.

The National History Challenge encourages students to use research and inquiry based learning to discover more about Australia and its past. Students can choose from a wide range of areas to research and investigate, including their community, their own families and past major events that have impacted on Australia as a nation.

“I am delighted to be here today to recognise the commitment of the students, for discovering more about the country’s history and culture, through either a particular event or their own family heritage,” said Dr Bourke.

Students from years 5 – 12 are eligible to enter and prizes are awarded at both State/Territory and National levels.

The Young Historian of the Year award is given annually as the major State/Territory award in the National History Challenge. The major prize for the ACT is $500 and a Medallion.

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New Citizens’ Advice Bureau Contact Directory Launched

Posted on October 28, 2011 by chrisbourke

This morning Chris represented the ACT Government at the launch of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau’s Contact directory for 2012. The directory compiles information for Canberrans on some 3,000 community, government and not-for-profit organisations and services available in the ACT. The directory is not only a testament to the wealth of community life in our city, but also an invaluable resource for Canberrans wishing to access recreation, support, cultural activities or any number of other community resources.

Check the CAB website to order a hard copy or CDROM version of the directory. You can also search the resource for free online.

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Launch of “Joe Rider” Motorcycle Awareness Campaign

Posted on October 24, 2011 by chrisbourke

 Member for Ginninderra Dr Chris Bourke MLA officially launched Motorcycle Awareness Week and the “Joe Rider” motorcycle awareness program on Saturday the 22nd of October 2011.

Motorcycle Awareness Week is a road safety initiative organised by riders for riders, with support from the ACT Government and local motorcycle dealers.  The event has been held annually over recent years. The ACT Government has provided funding to support the radio promotion of the “Joe Rider” program.

 Dr Bourke said, ““Joe Rider” is a motorcycle road safety awareness program.  Joe is a motorcyclist who is riding the ACT roads throughout Motorcycle Awareness Week, encouraging other road users to make a special effort to see him.  That little bit more effort could become a habit to help keep all riders that little bit safer, not just this week but from now on.  It is something we should all try to do.

“Motorcycling is identified as a key issue in the National and ACT Road Safety Strategies.  This reflects the increased vulnerability of motorcyclists compared with car drivers, and the growth in the popularity of motorcycles and motor scooters over recent years.

“In the ACT, 2 of the 12 fatalities in 2009 and 5 of the 19 fatalities in 2010 involved motorcycles. So far this year 3 people on motorcycles have died. 

“All road users, including car drivers and motorcyclists, have a responsibility to share the road and to be alert and careful while doing so.

 For more information about Motorcycle Awareness Week visit: http://mraact.org.au/2011/08/motorcycle-awareness-week-2

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ACT Labor Supports Democratic Rights for Canberrans

Posted on October 19, 2011 by chrisbourke

Today in the Assembly Chris called on Coalition and cross-bench MPs to support the Territories Self-Government Legislation Amendment (Disallowance and Amendment of Laws) Bill. This is an important Bill which has passed the federal Senate and is now before the House of Representatives.

The Bill would repeal current provisions under which the federal government can override otherwise valid ACT laws without even the transparency of putting the matter to debate and a vote in federal parliament.

Chris said in the Assembly this morning:

“What is being sought is nothing extraordinary, no special treatment, just a simple acknowledgment that we Canberrans are every bit as capable as other Australians of making decisions about the way we should lead our lives, run our city and conduct our civic business.

“I don’t believe that a Senator from Western Australia, or an MP from country Victoria, should have the right, at the stroke of a pen, to overturn a law passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly. Any law, on any subject. Without debate, without rationale. On a whim.” 

The ACT Liberals oppose the Bill and voted against my motion. It passed with the support of the Greens. It is worth asking why the ACT Liberals don’t think that Canberrans should have the same right to make decisions for themselves as do residents of the states.

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