New Minister hits the ground running with school visits

24 February 2011

Flood recovery ... Cameron Dick helps volunteers Ian Lang (left) and Ian McLennan deliver stationery to affected schools in the Ipswich area in the aftermath of the South East Queensland floods.

New Education Minister Cameron Dick spent his first two days in the job visiting his old school in Brisbane and four cyclone-affected schools in Far North Queensland.

Establishing disaster recovery as one of his top priorities, Mr Dick met students and teaching staff and inspected repairs at Silkwood State School, El Arish State School, Tully State School and Tully State High.

He noted they were among the 186 state schools in Far North and North Queensland which were damaged by Cyclone Yasi.

'It has been a challenging start to the school year and I am aware of the tremendous work which has been done by school communities to minimise disruption to students,' Mr Dick said.

'Schools are the heart and soul of our communities and I thank staff, parents, P&Cs, emergency services, volunteers and department staff for their hard work.

'While some schools affected by the cyclone are still being repaired, I can assure parents they are safe environments for students.

'Safety checks were carried out at all affected schools before they were reopened and work areas are restricted to ensure separation from students.'

In a message to Department of Education and Training staff, the former Marshall Road State School student described his education, which continued at university in Australia and overseas, as a cornerstone of his life.

'I am passionate about education and the opportunities that it presents to everyone, regardless of their background,' Mr Dick said.

'For me, education has been the catalyst for an extremely rewarding and interesting life and career, and I believe it offers this launch pad for all young people.

'I am keen to continue the government's work to deliver universal access for Queensland children to kindergarten by 2014.

'Similarly, closing the educational gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders will remain a priority.'

Mr Dick said he was looking forward to the challenge of his new portfolio and continuing the work of the Bligh Government to provide Queensland students with a flying start to learning and life.

'It is an exciting time to be joining the education portfolio, following the recent community consultation around the future of state and non-state education in Queensland and as we get ready for the implementation of the national curriculum from 2012,' he said.

'I have been part of important Cabinet discussions about significant proposed education reforms and I am a passionate champion of the Government's agenda in my electorate of Greenslopes.

'I am looking forward to working with key education stakeholders including the Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Association, the Queensland Teachers' Union, Queensland Association of State School Principals, Queensland Secondary Principals, Independent Schools Queensland and Queensland Catholic Education Commission.'