Media Releas

MICHAEL LEE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND HIS PORTFOLIO

K7909 1 September 1999

Michael Lee has demonstrated his complete lack of knowledge of his portfolio.

In his press release issued today he asks two questions:

"Why there is no money in the schools legislation before the parliament today?"

and

"How he will meet his promise that programme activities will commence at the beginning of 2000?"

The answer is simple.

There was no money in the schools legislation before Parliament today for the Quality Teacher Programme – because the funding was put to the parliament over 2 months ago and was passed in a completely separate piece of legislation "Appropriation Bill No.1" by the end of June.

Michael Lee does not seem to understand the difference between special appropriations and annual appropriations.

In answer to his second question, a consultation process has already been initiated which will ensure the commencement of the Quality Teacher Programme in 2000.

Unlike the preceding Labor Government, the Howard Government is keeping its election promises on track.

Michael Lee needs to give continuing attention to his shadow portfolio if he is to avoid such embarrassing mistakes. Flitting in and out occasionally will only lead to a repetition of elementary errors.

Media contact: Samantha Herron 02 62777 460 or 0412 639 754

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