Eastern Victoria Region
Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (13:09): (1015) My constituency question is for the Minister for Education. A constituent’s 14-year-old son has autism spectrum disorder, ODD and ADHD. Despite these diagnosed conditions, schools have struggled to provide adequate support and reasonable adjustments for him. He has faced multiple suspensions due to behavioural issues stemming from his conditions. During these suspensions the system has failed to provide appropriate educational materials. Recently he was sent home for two months while a safety plan was developed, receiving minimal homework and schoolwork to go on with. He has significant gaps in his education, and his mental health is deteriorating. His parents are most concerned. In the past five years the Association for Children with Disability has had an over 200 per cent increase in calls about the lack of reasonable adjustment in the classroom. Minister, what is your government doing and what will you do to fix this education system, which is failing these children in need?