5 December 2024
The Greens have welcomed an announcement that private schools will report how often they suspend or expel students or refuse to enrol children with a disability but say that the State Government must now go further.
Greens MLC Robert Simms last month brought forward a bill that would have required private schools to disclose information on the use of government funds and data on student behaviour. The bill was opposed by all parties, but the Government has now reached an agreement with the private school sector to provide annual data on refusal or cancellation for students with disability, and consistent information about the grounds, length and use of suspensions, exclusions and expulsions.
“The Government’s announcement shows that pressure from the Greens works. While this agreement is an important step towards enhancing transparency, private schools should be subject to similar reporting requirements to public schools”, said Greens SA Education Spokesman Robert Simms MLC.
“The State Government should now move to require private schools to disclose key data like how Government funds are spent, workforce information, student attendance rates, and the number of complaints about student behaviour and professional behaviour. South Australian taxpayers have a right to this information, and parents will surely welcome this transparency so that they can make informed choices about their child’s education. The Greens will continue to push for accountability in education funding.”