HALLS CREEK DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL — OMBUDSMAN
REVIEW
734. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the Minister for Education and
Training:
I refer to the recent inquiry into
Halls Creek District High School and note the finding that there was no
indication of planning initiated by the regional office at the time it was
confirmed in early 2020 that the Ombudsman's recommendation must be
implemented.
(1) Why did the
Department of Education not implement the requisite planning after the
Ombudsman had made recommendations so that regional office staff would have had
the necessary guidance, direction and oversight within a compressed time frame?
(2) Who
ultimately was responsible for initiating that planning?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
(1) The department has advised that although the
regional office did undertake some planning, it was inadequate and did
not take into account the impact of COVID-19. The department is strengthening
processes to oversee the implementation of the Ombudsman's
recommendations.
(2) The regional
executive director was responsible for initiating the planning and the director
general was accountable for implementing the Ombudsman's
recommendations.