2016-06-22
Question in Parliament: My constituency question is to the Minister for Training and Skills on behalf of the Minister for Education and it is regarding the recently created working group established by the Department of Education and Training to discuss the behaviour policies and use of restrictive practices in schools. I have been approached by parents in my region, and it is my understanding that this working group includes a range of high-profile organisations but has no parent representation. My concern is that parents are uniquely placed to provide insight into the behaviours of young people with autism and practices that are successful in calming them. Behaviour plans at school cannot work in isolation and they must work in cooperation with parents and the home environment. Parents and children are the most impacted by this; decisions cannot be made without them. My question for the minister is: will he include parent representation on this working group?