Talks to offer a hope of change
CHANGES could be made to improve swimming programs in Queensland schools before next summer after a meeting between the State Government and water safety experts.
However, Education Minister Grace Grace said the Government wanted to hold several more meetings before making a decision, prompting criticism from Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington who said Labor was dragging its feet and putting lives at risk.
The Palaszczuk Government was dubbed a “do nothing government” by the LNP after three years operating without a majority and ordering 213 reviews in 18 months.
“Time and time again we see the Palaszczuk Government pushing things off for review rather than taking action,’’ Ms Frecklington said.
“This is a life and death matter for Queensland kids and the Palaszczuk Government can’t afford to wait for another summer to get these swimming lessons going.
“Queensland kids need more swimming lessons not more talk,” she said.
Ms Grace, who chaired yesterday’s roundtable attended by schools, P&Cs and Surf Life Saving Queensland members, said the Government would conduct an audit of schools and then consider changes.
“Different organisations will be putting forward some evidence-based solutions on how they believe we can further improve the school swimming program,” Ms Grace said. “We want the best solution.” “Everything is on the table.” But Ms Grace said parents should also ensure their children were taught how to swim at the earliest opportunity.
Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO John Brennan said the meeting was significant.
“We’re a unique state and the one model is not going to fit the whole state,” he said.
P&Cs Queensland president Gayle Walters said students at schools with no pools nearby could be sent to intensive swimming camps.
“It’s not just about getting on a bus and going to a pool or schools digging a hole and putting a pool in, we will be looking at different and innovative ways so it’s life-long learning of water safety,”she said.
The roundtable will meet in April, June and August.