Students, teachers and parents on Norfolk Island continue to be “left out in the cold” after the federal Minister responsible for education in the territory snubbed a Federation delegation.
The Federal Government’s failure to announce a service provider for Norfolk Island Central School for 2022 and beyond has reached such a critical stage that Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos and Norfolk Island representative Susie Hale flew to Canberra on Tuesday to meet with the Government.
Despite repeated attempts to arrange a meeting with Assistant Minister for Territories Nola Marino since 12 May, the delegation was told only late yesterday she “will not be taking any further meetings this week”.
Mr Gavrielatos said such a “deliberate snub” was an insult to Ms Hale and the education community she represents.
“The provision of education on Norfolk is at crisis point and the Assistant Minister couldn’t
even find 15 minutes to meet despite the request for a meeting over three weeks ago,” he said.
Ms Hale, who flew to Canberra last night, said the uncertainty around the ongoing provision of education has been weighing on the community for two years.
“While it remains unresolved, students are suffering; teachers are stressed; and parents and the community remain out in the cold without an answer as to who will provide education on Norfolk Island in the immediate future,” she said.
While in Canberra, Mr Gavrielatos and Ms Hale have confirmed meetings with Labor Shadow Minister for Territories Jason Clare, and Greens spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters, and Member responsible for Norfolk Island David Smith.
“We are talking about continuity of public education for the children of Norfolk Island. This
needs to be sorted out now,” Mr Gavrielatos said. “The disregard for the needs of Norfolk Island’s children and community must stop.”
Members of Federation at Norfolk Island Central School have resolved to take further action should the situation not be resolved as a matter of urgency.