Sam Hibbins to ask the Minister for Education —
With reference to the National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC):
(1) Why did the Victorian Department of Education not undertake the coordination and selection process for student and teacher chaperone participation in the NSCC.
(2) Why were Victorian students excluded from the national convention.
(3) What measures are in place so that Victorian students don’t miss out next time.
Response from the Minister for Education
The National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) is an annual event delivered and managed by the Commonwealth Government. In late 2023 it came to the attention of the Victorian Department of Education (department) that the current delivery approach for the NSCC did not have sufficient clarity on roles and responsibilities for those involved to ensure effective planning and risk management arrangements. The department has been working with the Commonwealth for several months to ensure that arrangements for the NSCC are clear and align with department policies and legal requirements regarding student safety for an inter-state trip such as this.
I am advised that discussions have been productive and constructive, and work is underway to develop revised arrangements. However, despite best efforts appropriate arrangements could not be put in place in time for the 2024 NSCC which meant, unfortunately, that students from Victorian schools could not take part in this year’s NSCC. I understand this is very disappointing for the students that had expressed interest in this program.
The safety and wellbeing of students and staff is of course the top priority for all parties involved, and the department is continuing to work closely with the Commonwealth to support revised arrangements being put in place to enable Victorian student and staff participation in the NSCC in 2025 and beyond.
