Legal Studies Youth Parliament · 2016-04-26 · Legal Studies Youth Parliament 2 Note The seat names used in this Youth Parliament are selected from the names of Queensland’s Rivers

Youth ParliamentLegal Studies

6 May 2016

CONTENTS

Chamber Seating Plan ................................................................................. 1

Time Allowed for Speeches ......................................................................... 3

Parliamentary Etiquette ............................................................................. 4

Chamber Running Sheet ............................................................................. 5

Opening of Parliament ................................................................................ 5

Youth Leaders’ Statements ......................................................................... 6

A Vision for Queensland ............................................................................. 6

Introduction and Second Reading Debate ................................................... 7

Speaking List – Second Reading Debate ...................................................... 9

Consideration in Detail and Third Reading ................................................ 11

Adjournment Debate ................................................................................ 17

Speaking List – Adjournment Debate ........................................................ 18

Student Training in Environmental Protection Universal Program

(STEP UP) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2016 .................................... 20

Explanatory Notes .................................................................................... 26

Queensland Parliament

1

CHAMBER SEATING PLAN

Legal Studies Youth Parliament

2

Note

The seat names used in this Youth Parliament are selected from the names of Queensland’s Rivers and Creeks.

There are 89 seats in the Queensland Parliament.

Extra seats have been added for this Youth Parliament to make a total of 93 including the Speaker.


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TIME ALLOWED FOR SPEECHES

1. Leaders’ Statements

Approximately 4 minutes in length

2 minutes (max) Premier 2 minutes (max) Leader of the Opposition

2. Debate on Bill


Moved by Minister for Education (2 minutes) Response by Shadow Minister for Education (2 minutes) Response by Minister for Education (1 minute) 1 minute (max) for all other speakers

3. Consideration in Detail


1 minute (max) for all speakers

4. Adjournment Debate – any topic


1 minute (max) speech for each speaker


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PARLIAMENTARY ETIQUETTE

As in any other forum for debate, there are certain rules that each participant must follow in Parliament House. All parliamentary staff and Youth Parliamentarians must adhere to this code at all times while in the Legislative Assembly Chamber.

Address the Presiding Officer (Speaker or Deputy Speaker) at all times

when speaking.

Show respect (bow) to the Presiding Officer when entering or leaving the Chamber.

Rise when the Presiding Officer enters or leaves the Chamber (but not when the Presiding Officer is being relieved by a Deputy or at commencement of the Consideration in Detail stage).

Sit down or remain seated when the Presiding Officer speaks or is speaking.

Do not turn your back on the Presiding Officer except when leaving the Chamber.

Do not pass between the Presiding Officer and the Member speaking when moving within the Chamber.

Refer to the Presiding Officer by his/her correct title (i.e. Mr or Madam Speaker or Mr/Madam Deputy Speaker).

Those elected to leadership positions are to be referred to as the Honourable Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Minister for Education and Shadow Minister for Education. All other Members are referred to by the name of their electorate (e.g. the Member for Mansfield).

Any interjections must be respectful and not personally offensive.

All language must be respectful and dignified.

Applause is not permitted in the Chamber or Gallery. Instead say “Hear, hear!”

Observe decorum in the Chamber at all times.

Speeches and interjections must be made from the Member’s own seat.


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CHAMBER RUNNING SHEET

Opening of Parliament

Youth Members sitting in seats.

Youth Sergeant-at-Arms and Speaker standing outside.

Youth Sergeant-at-Arms enters, carrying the Mace, and says:

Honourable Members, Mr/Madam Speaker.

Youth Members stand.

Youth Sergeant-at-Arms places the Mace on the end of the table.

The Clerk stands behind his/her chair.

The Speaker reads the prayer:

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Speaker nods once to the Government and once to the Opposition to acknowledge their presence.

The Speaker takes his/her seat and says:

Honourable Members, for this sitting, I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which this Parliament is assembled.

Everybody sits down.


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YOUTH LEADERS’ STATEMENTS

A Vision for Queensland

SPEAKER: I call the Youth Premier.

YOUTH PREMIER:

Reads prepared statement. (2 minutes)

SPEAKER: I call the Youth Leader of the Opposition.

YOUTH LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

Reads prepared statement. (2 minutes)


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INTRODUCTION AND SECOND READING DEBATE

SPEAKER:

I call the Youth Minister for Education.

YOUTH MINISTER FOR EDUCATION:

I present a message from His Excellency the Governor.

SPEAKER: I, Governor of Queensland, recommend to the Legislative Assembly a Bill intituled— A Bill for a Youth Act to establish environmental protection measures to be undertaken by young people in Queensland and to amend the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006. I call the Youth Minister for Education.


Mr/Madam Speaker, I seek leave of the House to move a motion without notice.

SPEAKER: Is leave granted?

GOVT [AYES]Leave is granted.


Mr/Madam Speaker, I move – That so much of the Standing and Sessional Orders be suspended as would otherwise prevent the immediate presentation to the House of a Bill for a Youth Act to establish environmental protection measures to be undertaken by young people in Queensland and to amend the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006; and the passing of such Bill through all its stages in one day.

SPEAKER: The question is – That the motion be agreed to. Those of that opinion say “Aye”, those against say “No”.

GOVT [AYES]

I think the Ayes have it. I call the Minister.


Mr/Madam Speaker, I present the Bill and Explanatory Notes and move – That the Bill be now read a first time.


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SPEAKER:

The question is – That the Bill be now read a first time.

Those of that opinion say “Aye”, those against say “No”.

GOVT [AYES]

I think the Ayes have it. I call the Clerk.

CLERK: Student Training in Environmental Protection Universal Program and Another Act Amendment Bill.

SPEAKER: I call the Youth Minister for Education.


Mr/Madam Speaker, I move – That the Bill be now read a second time.

Youth Minister for Education proceeds with explanatory speech.

(2 minutes)

SPEAKER: I call the Youth Shadow Minister for Education.

YOUTH SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION:

Youth Shadow Minister for Education proceeds with speech outlining the Opposition’s position.

(2 minutes)

SPEAKER: I call the Youth Member for …………

Youth Members debate the Bill as per the speaking list.


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SPEAKING LIST – SECOND READING DEBATE

GOVERNMENT OPPOSITION

1 Youth Member for Belyando 2 Youth Member for Westin

3 Youth Minister for the Environment 4 Youth Member for Palmer

5 Youth Member for Balonne 6 Youth Member for Mackenzie

7 Youth Member for Burpengary 8 Youth Member for Tully

9 Youth Member for Burke 10 Youth Member for Zamia

11 Youth Member for Jardine 12 Youth Member for Pioneer

13 Youth Member for Ithaca 14 Youth Member for Nogoa

15 Youth Minister for Transport and Main Roads

16 Youth Member for Styx

17 Youth Member for Isis 18 Youth Member for Narran

19 Youth Member for Don 20 Youth Member for Russell (Opposition Whip)

21 Youth Member for Gilbert 22 Youth Member for Proserpine

23 Youth Minister for Indigenous Affairs 24 Youth Member for Walsh

25 Youth Member for Lockhart 26 Youth Member for Pike

27 Youth Minister for Science and IT 28 Youth Member for Ross

29 Youth Minister for Primary Industry

30 Youth Member for Cooper

31 Youth Member for Fitzroy

32 Youth Member for Bulloo

33 Youth Member for Bremer

34 Youth Attorney-General

35 Youth Minister for Communities


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Youth Minister for Education responds to the debate (1 Minute) finishing with the words “I commend the Bill to the House”. At the conclusion of the Youth Minister for Education’s response—

SPEAKER: The question is – That the Bill be now read a second time.Those of that opinion say “Aye”; those against say “No”.

GOVT [AYES] I think the Ayes have it. I call the Clerk.


SPEAKER: The House will now adjourn for morning tea. All stand while the Youth Sergeant-at-Arms leads the Speaker from the Chamber.

MORNING TEA

[After morning tea]

All stand.

Youth Sergeant-at-Arms enters, carrying the Mace, and says:

“Honourable Members, Mr/Madam Speaker.”


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CONSIDERATION IN DETAIL AND THIRD

READING

The Speaker takes the chair at the Table of the House for Consideration in Detail.

SPEAKER: There are 15 clauses. I propose to call the clauses. If any Member wishes to speak to a particular clause, will they please indicate. The question is – That clauses 1 to 8 as read stand part of the Bill. Those of that opinion say “Aye”; those against say “No”.

GOVT [AYES] I think the Ayes have it. The question is – That clause 9 as read stand part of the Bill. I call the Youth Shadow Minister for Education.


Mr/Madam Speaker, I move Amendment No. 1 circulated in my name. Delete clause 9. Insert new clause 9.

The provisions of the PEST program will include:

(a) Environmental remediation projects;

(b) Work experience;

(c) Volunteering or community service with not-for-profit groups;

(d) Part-time work; or

(e) Participation in sport or other extension activity such as music or art.

This change will ensure that students will engage more willingly and more completely with the PEST program. In turn, this will mean that students can still choose environmental work if they so desire, but they can also develop a much broader range of skills. We will have


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graduating senior students who are much better placed to tackle the challenges of tertiary study or the workplace.

SPEAKER: I call the Youth Treasurer to speak to the clause.

YOUTH TREASURER: Thank you Mr/Madam Speaker. (1 minute speech)

SPEAKER: I call the Youth Deputy Leader of the Opposition to speak to the clause. I call the Youth Minister for Police to speak to the clause. I call the Youth Member for Maranoa to speak to the clause. I call the Youth Member for Paroo to speak to the clause. Does any other Youth Member who has not already spoken to this clause wish to speak?

(I call the Youth Member...)

The Speaker continues to call any Youth Members who wish to speak.

SPEAKER:

The question is – That Amendment No. 1 moved by the Youth Shadow Minister for Education be agreed to. Those of that opinion say “Aye”; those against say “No”.

GOVT [NOES] I think the Noes have it.


DIVIDE!

SPEAKER:

Order! A division has been called. Ring the bells.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS (Bells are rung by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Parliament for one minute. When the bells cease ringing…)


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SPEAKER: Close the bars. The question is – That Amendment No. 1 moved by the Youth Shadow Minister for Education be agreed to, for which a division has been called. Ayes shall move to the right of the Chair, Noes to the left. I call on the Government Whips to act as Teller for the Noes and the Opposition Whips to act as Teller for the Ayes. Whips count Youth Members’ votes and report the numbers to the Speaker.

SPEAKER: Order! Members will resume their seats. Honourable Youth Members, the result of the division is Ayes ##……., Noes. ##……The division is resolved in the affirmative/negative. The question is – That Clauses 10-12 as read stand part of the Bill. Those who are of that opinion say “Aye”, those against say “No”.

GOVT [AYES]

I think the Ayes have it.

The question is – That Clause 13 as read stands part of the Bill. I call the Youth Minister for Education.


Mr/Madam Speaker – I move Amendment No. 2 circulated in my name.

Omit clause 13.

Insert new clause 13.

The cost of travel to and from school will be subsidised as follows:

(a) All bus, train and ferry transport will be free for school students travelling with a valid student go card to and from school.

(b) The cost of purchase of a bicycle will be reimbursed by 50 per cent for students enrolled in state and private schools in Queensland.


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The Government has consulted with stakeholders on this issue. We have taken on board feedback from families and parents and citizens’ groups that more needs to be done to ensure that environmentally sustainable transport to and from school is available for students – and is also affordable for parents – when car travel is no longer available. We have also noted that there is general acceptance in the community for the 50 per cent reimbursement of the cost of bicycles purchased by families for students. Thank you Mr/Madam Speaker.

SPEAKER:

I call the Youth Member for Macintyre to speak to the clause.

I call the Youth Minister for Housing and Public Works to speak to the clause.

I call the Youth Member for Mitchell to speak to the clause.

I call the Youth Member for Annan to speak to the clause.

I call the Youth Member for Georgina to speak to the clause.

Does any other Youth Member who has not already spoken to this clause wish to speak?

(I call the Youth Member…)

The Speaker continues to call any Youth Members who wish to speak.

SPEAKER: The question is – That Amendment No. 2 moved by the Youth Minister for Education be agreed to. Those who are of that opinion say “Aye”, those against say “No”.

GOVT [AYES]



DIVIDE!!!

SPEAKER: Order! A division has been called. Ring the bells.


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SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

(Bells are rung by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Parliament for one minute. When the bells cease ringing ….)

SPEAKER:

Close the bars.

The question is – That Amendment No. 2 moved by the Youth Minister for Education be agreed to for which a division has been called.

Ayes shall move to the right of the Chair, Noes to the left.

I call on the Government Whips to act as Teller for the Ayes and the Opposition Whips to act as Teller for the Noes.

Whips count Youth Members’ votes and report the

numbers to the Speaker.

SPEAKER: Order! Members will resume their seats.

Honourable Youth Members, the result of the division is Ayes ##……., Noes. ##……The division is resolved in the affirmative/negative.

The question is – That Clauses 14 and 15 as read stand part of the Bill. Those who are of that opinion say “Aye”, those against say “No”.

GOVT [AYES]


Speaker moves back to dais.

I call the Youth Minister for Education.


Mr/Madam Speaker – I move that the Bill as read/amended be now read a third time.


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SPEAKER: The question is – That the Bill as read/amended be now read a third time.


GOVT [AYES]

I think the Ayes have it. I call the Clerk.




Mr/Madam Speaker, I move – That the long title of the Bill be agreed to.

SPEAKER: The question is – That the long title of the Bill be agreed to.


GOVT [AYES]



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ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

SPEAKER: I call the Youth Leader of the House.

YOUTH LEADER OF THE HOUSE:

I move – That the House do now adjourn.

SPEAKER: I call the Youth Member for …..…..

The Speaker calls Youth Members as per the speaking list to read their prepared speeches.

(1 minute each)


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SPEAKING LIST – ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

GOVERNMENT OPPOSITION

1 Youth Member for Basalt 2 Youth Member for Normanby

3 Youth Member for Boyne 4 Youth Member for Yarraman

5 Youth Member for Bokhara 6 Youth Member for Mossman

7 Youth Leader of the House 8 Youth Member for Weir

9 Youth Minister for Sport and Tourism

10 Youth Member for Wenlock

11 Youth Member for Diamantina 12 Youth Member for Pascoe

13 Youth Member for Dawson 14 Youth Member for Moonie

15 Youth Member for Leichhardt 16 Youth Member for Severn (Deputy Opposition Whip)

17 Youth Minister for Local Government

18 Youth Member for Saltwater

19 Youth Minister for Natural Resources

20 Youth Member for Stuart

21 Youth Minister for Health 22 Youth Member for Suttor

23 Youth Member for Herbert 24 Youth Member for Tallebudgera

25 Youth Minister for Energy and Water

26 Youth Member for Stone

27 Youth Member for Johnstone 28 Youth Member for Tingalpa

29 Youth Member for Bohle (Deputy Government Whip)

30 Youth Member for Stanley

31 Youth Member for Bloomfield 32 Youth Member for Staaten

33 Youth Member for Calliope 34 Youth Member for Kolan

35 Youth Member for Comet 36 Youth Member for Thomson

37 Youth Member for Flinders


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SPEAKING LIST – ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

GOVERNMENT

38 Youth Member for Daintree

39 Youth Deputy Premier

40 Youth Member for Banksia

41 Youth Member for Barcoo

42 Youth Member for Cliffdale

43 Youth Member for Endeavour

SPEAKER: Is there any Member who hasn’t spoken today?

The question is – “That the House do now adjourn.”

Those who are of that opinion say “Aye”, those against say “No”.

ALL [AYES]


Final Comments from the Speaker.

Youth Sergeant-at-Arms collects the Mace and leads the Speaker out of the Chamber.

CONCLUSION AND CERTIFICATES


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STUDENT TRAINING IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

UNIVERSAL PROGRAM (STEP UP) AND ANOTHER ACT

AMENDMENT BILL 2016

Student Training in Environmental Protection

Universal Program (STEP UP) and another Act

Amendment Bill 2016 (A Mock Bill for use in Youth Parliaments)


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A Bill

for

An Act to establish environmental protection measures to be undertaken by young people in Queensland and to amend the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006.


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The Youth Parliament of Queensland enacts—

Part 1 Introduction

Clause 1 Short Title

This Act may be cited as the Student Training in Environmental Protection Universal Program (STEP UP) Act 2016.

Clause 2 Commencement

This Act commences on the day of proclamation.

Part 2 Application

Clause 3 Act binds all persons

(1) This Act binds all persons including the State and, as far as the legislative power of the Parliament permits, the Commonwealth and the other States.

(2) Subsection (1) does not make the State, the Commonwealth or another State liable to be prosecuted for an offence.

Part 3 Objects

Clause 4 Objects of Act

(1) The object of this Act is to protect the environment and improve sustainability of in Queensland through the practical contribution of young people.

(2) The object is to be achieved by—

(a) Participation by all Year 12 students in Queensland Schools in a comprehensive environmental training and conservation program, to be undertaken concurrently with their Year 12 academic course;

(b) The extension of the Year 12 course to two calendar years to accommodate this program;

(c) The introduction of a ban on all plastic packaging in schools; and

(d) The introduction of environmentally responsible transport options for all Queensland school students.


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Part 4 Amendment of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006

Clause 5 Act amended

This part amends the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, Chapter 10 Compulsory participation in education or training.

Clause 6 Amendment of section 231

Insert new sub-section (b) (iv)

In addition participation in education is compulsory until a young person has completed the Participation in Environmental Study and Training (PEST) program.

Part 5 Establishment of the Participation in Environmental Study and Training (PEST) program

Clause 7 Time allocated to the Year 12 course

Year 12 students will complete their Year 12 studies over two years, and will be concurrently enrolled in the PEST program.

Clause 8 Time allocated to the PEST program

Year 12 students enrolled in PEST will:

(a) Complete two days per school week working in the PEST program; or

(b) Complete a series of intensive boot camps at the end of each school term (totalling 80 days over the two year course).

Clause 9 Provisions of the PEST program

Under PEST, students will engage in

(a) Clean up and rehabilitation of degraded or polluted environments and ecosystems;

(a) Primary research tasks, under the direction of tertiary students in environmental disciplines; and

(b) Manual labour tasks rebuilding environments, as required.

Part 6 Prohibition against plastic packaging in schools

Clause 10 All students and teachers will be prohibited from bringing any product packaged in plastic to school.


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Clause 11 The management of plastic waste in Queensland schools will be achieved through the following provisions:

(a) All schools will separate plastic and non-plastic waste, and plastic rubbish must be weighed before disposal.

(b) Plastic rubbish will attract a Recycling/Appropriate Disposal (RAD) levy on schools.

(c) The RAD will be applied per kilo or tonne of plastic refuse produced at each school. The rate will be set by regulation.

(d) All schools, including state schools, may pass the RAD on to parents.

Part 7 Transport to and from school for students

Clause 12 Students will be prohibited from travelling to and from school by car between the hours of 7.00-9.00am and 2.00-4.00pm.

Clause 13 Fifty per cent of the purchase cost of a bicycle will be reimbursed for students enrolled in both state and non-state schools in Queensland.

Clause 14 Schools must introduce walking buses within their catchment areas.

Part 8 Definitions

Clause 15 In this Act, the following definitions are applicable.

School refers to an institution for educating children, registered with the Queensland Department of Education. Schools that are included in the Act include both state and non-state schools.

Environmental projects are activities that result in benefits for the environment in terms of repair of environmental degradation, or creating or promoting sustainability, or as determined by the Minister for the Environment.

Year 12 is the final formal secondary education course in Queensland schools. Students who successfully complete their Year 12 studies are awarded the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Students currently complete Year 12 within a calendar year; under the proposed changes, the course will be completed over two calendar years.

Walking bus is a form of student transport for schoolchildren who, chaperoned by two adults (a "driver" leads and a "conductor" follows), walk to school, in much the same way a school bus would drive them to school.


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EXPLANATORY NOTES

Short Title

The short title of the bill is the Student Training in Environmental Protection Universal Program (STEP UP) and another Act Amendment Bill 2016. Policy objectives and reasons for the Bill

The purpose of this Act is to encourage young people in Queensland to take responsibility for the environment through a range of realistic and achievable measures.

Our state is at a crossroads and how we move forward from here will determine not only the sustainability of our environment, but also our ongoing economic prosperity and quality of life.

Regardless of whether human activity is responsible for climate change, there is no doubt that rampant consumerism is causing problems in all areas of society. Mining, the agricultural and pastoral industries and even tourism are all taking a toll on the environment, while plastic pollution chokes our waterways and oceans and kills our marine life. Our heavy reliance on fossil fuels, especially for private transport, continues to be a major problem.

It is often said that young people have a greater understanding that the environment is not a source of limitless resources, and they are very ready to criticise the decisions of government and business. However, research suggests that young people (14-17 years olds) are less likely to identify as environmentalists than older people (50-64 year olds), and are in fact more likely to favour low cost over environmental considerations. Moreover, young people are also more likely to litter, vandalise property and participate in excessive consumerism, and less likely to turn the lights off when they leave a room, or to recycle waste. The main reasons given for this lack of environmental responsibility are that young people do not yet have the comprehensive knowledge needed to make good choices for the environment, and are still developing the empathy that comes from personal experience and an environmentally responsible lifestyle.

It is well known that students like learn best by ‘doing’. This Bill aims to meet these various needs by providing young people with the opportunity to gain experience, awareness and empathy through a comprehensive, hands-on training program which will not only enhance their appreciation of the world around them, but will also endow them with a range of skills to ensure they are job-ready by the time they leave school.


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Achievement of policy objectives

The policy objectives will be achieved through:

1. The enrolment of all Year 12 students in a comprehensive environmental action and remediation program called the Participation in Environmental Study and Training (PEST) program.

The length of the Year 12 course will be doubled to two calendar years, to enable to students to participate in PEST. Students will complete either:

(a) Two days per school week in PEST (80 days over the Year 12 course); or

(b) A total of 80 days in environmental boot camps to be held at the end of each semester.

While engaged in PEST, students may be required to:

(a) Clean up degraded and polluted areas, including removal of graffiti;

(b) Collect litter from and rehabilitate highly stressed environments such as highway and railway verges, mangroves, abandoned mining sites and the like;

(c) Plant trees in the outback;

(d) Assist tertiary science students in environmental restoration projects;

2. A blanket ban on any form of plastic packaging in schools.

3. A prohibition on the use of cars to convey students to and from school and the introduction of environmentally friendly alternatives, including the reimbursement of 50 per cent of the purchase cost of bicycles and implementation of a walking bus program in all Queensland schools.

Alternatives to achieve policy objectives

Approaches to changing attitudes and values around the environment have previously been explored, including education programs and professional development for teachers, along with a review of curriculum documents in relevant learning areas.

However, there is no evidence that these soft approaches are resulting in the behavioural changes that our society needs in order to protect our environment into the future. Thus, there are currently no alternatives to achieve these policy objectives.


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Estimated cost for implementation of the provisions of the Bill

Provision has been made in the budget for the costs associated with:

The administration of the PEST program;

The administration of the plastic packaging prohibition program; and

Implementation of the 50 per cent reimbursement for the purchase of bicycles for school students.

These costs will be absorbed by the Education budget and subsidised by income derived from the RAD surcharge on plastic waste disposal.

Consistency with fundamental legislative principles

The Bill has been drafted with regard to fundamental legislative principles (FLPs) as defined in Section 4 of the Legislative Standards Act 1992 and is generally consistent with these principles.

Consultation

Extensive consultation has been undertaken with key stakeholder groups including:

Government and non-government secondary schools;

P&Cs Queensland;

Queensland Rail;

Local councils, including Brisbane City Council, in relation to bus and ferry transportation;

The Queensland Conservation Council; and

Relevant faculties in Queensland universities.


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Notes on Provisions

Part 1 – Preliminary

Clause 1 sets out the short title of the Bill. Clause 2 details the commencement of the Bill. Part 2 – Application

Clause 3 identifies the parameters of the Bill.

Part 3 – Objects

Clause 4 identifies the purpose or object of the legislation, and how the object is to be achieved. Young people will be required to contribute to the ongoing sustainability of the environment through a program of practical training and activity. In addition, all schools will have to manage a ban on plastic packaging, and to promote healthy, environmentally responsible transport options for their students.

Part 4 – Amendment of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006

Clause 5 specifies that the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 will be amended to include participation in the Environmental Study and Training (PEST) program as a compulsory element of the Queensland education program.

Clause 6 sets out the amendment.

Part 5 – Establishment of the Participation in Environmental Study and Training (PEST) program

This part introduces a two year training program for Year 12 students, and is a key element of this Bill.

Clause 7 says that students must take two years to complete Year 12, and they will complete PEST at the same time.

Clause 8 provides two options for Year 12 students, at the discretion of the school. They will either complete two days per week in the PEST program, or complete the equivalent time in boot camps to be held at the end of each school term.

Clause 9 outlines the work that students enrolled in PEST will complete. This work will include cleaning up polluted areas such as abandoned mining sites, highway verges and mangrove swamps, assisting with field research in the environment, and rebuilding degraded spaces in either rural or urban areas.

Part 6 – Introduces a prohibition against plastic packaging in schools

Clause 10 says that neither teachers nor students may bring products packaged in plastic to school. It is important that students learn to manage with less plastic


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packaging in their lives in order to protect the environment into the future, and it is essential that teachers set an exemplary example in this regard.

Clause 11 introduces a plastic waste management program, under which schools must separate plastic and non-plastic waste. Given that there is a cost associated with the disposal of plastic in environmentally responsible ways, it is fair and reasonable that this cost be passed on to those who create the waste. This is an important educational feature of the program which will make the cost of plastics to our environment and our society, very transparent.

This lesson will be further reinforced by the direct link between the amount and type of waste produced and the cost of recycling or disposal (via the Recycling/Appropriate Disposal RAD surcharge) of that waste. Under this legislation, schools may choose to pass the RAD on to parents both as a method of educating both students and the community about the true costs of waste disposal, and a strategy for gaining parental support for the prohibition of plastic packaging.

Small pieces of plastic such as bottle lids, tetra-pak juice container straws and the packets for the straws create a major litter problem for schools, so an additional benefit will be a cleaner school environment with less litter and rubbish.

Part 7 – Introduces provisions for environmentally responsible transport to and from schools

Clause 12 mandates that students are prohibited from travelling to and from school by car during peak school drop-off and pick-up hours. This provision will have a number of benefits not only in terms of decreasing congestion and traffic stress within and near the school grounds during peak hours, but within local communities generally.

Clause 13 introduces a government-funded reimbursement for the purchase of bicycles. Cycling provides a useful and environmentally friendly mode of transport for students, with the added benefit of helping students to enjoy and appreciate physical fitness. The reimbursement will help more families to provide bicycles for their school age children. It is anticipated that schools will be responsible for providing secure storage for bicycles during the day.

Clause 14 requires that schools also develop walking bus routes for their students. Walking buses are groups of students and authorised adults who walk together from the school to homes in nearby areas, providing safety for students and peace of mind for parents. Walking buses also encourage physical activity on the part of students, many of whom will spend many hours a day sitting in class.

Part 8 – Definitions

Clause 15 defines key terms within this Bill.


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AMENDMENT No. 1

Amendment No. 1

Moved by the Minister for Education

Delete Clause 13.

AMENDMENT No. 2

Amendment No. 2

Moved by the Shadow Minister for Education

Delete Clause 9

Insert new Clause 13: The cost of travel to and from school will be subsidised as follows:

(a) All bus, train and ferry transport will be free for school students travelling with a valid student go card to and from school.

(b) The cost of purchase of a bicycle will be reimbursed by 50 per cent for students enrolled in state and private schools in Queensland.

Insert new Clause 9: The provisions of the PEST program will include:

(a) Environmental remediation projects;

(b) Work experience;

(c) Volunteering or community service with not-for-profit groups;

(d) Part-time work; or

(e) Participation in sport or other extension activity such as music or art.

Queensland Parliamentcnr George and Alice Streets

Brisbane, QueenslandAUSTRALIA

ph: +61 7 3553 6000www.pariament.qld.gov.au

Documents

Legal Studies Youth Parliament · 2016-04-26 · Legal Studies Youth Parliament 2 Note The seat names used in this Youth Parliament are selected from the names of Queensland’s Rivers