A review by the Cook Government into the support for students with disabilities in Western Australia (WA) is facing scrutiny as calls for transparency grow. This review, initiated nearly two years ago by then-education minister Tony Buti, aims to address the disparities in educational treatment for children with disabilities.
In December 2023, Buti publicly acknowledged the shortcomings of the education system, apologising for the experiences of students and their families. He stated, “There have been occasions where students with disabilities and their families have had experiences where the education system has let them down… I want every child to reach their full potential, no matter their postcode or special needs.” Buti emphasised the need for significant investment to support these students, committing to making substantial efforts despite potential funding challenges.
Following the announcement, hundreds of stakeholders participated in public consultations and submitted written feedback to identify ways to better support vulnerable children. An expert panel led by Andrew Whitehouse, a researcher from The Kids Research Institute, submitted its findings to Buti in December 2023. However, after Buti transitioned out of his role, the report has remained largely undisclosed. His successor, Sabine Winton, faced mounting inquiries regarding the report’s release, ultimately assuring the public that it would be available by the end of this year.
Concerns escalated recently when it was revealed that students with disabilities were being placed in temporary transportable classrooms. Data presented in Parliament indicated that over half of the Education Support Centres—schools on mainstream sites catering to children with disabilities—utilise these temporary structures. Liam Staltari, the Shadow Education Minister, highlighted that many of these transportable classrooms are outdated and inadequate, some exceeding 15 years in age. Reports of issues such as mould, rotting stumps, rusted windows, and malfunctioning air-conditioning units have raised alarms about the quality of education provided.
Despite Winton and Premier Roger Cook showcasing new facilities, the neglect of existing infrastructure remains a pressing issue. Correspondence from the Parent and Citizens Association of Holland Street School, a facility catering to students with special needs, underscored this concern. According to their letter to the editor of The West Australian, only three out of nine classrooms at Holland Street are in permanent buildings. The letter stated, “Holland Street School is required to educate our community’s most vulnerable children, many with complex medical and learning needs… While their siblings attend modern, mainstream schools with giant gyms and sparkling science labs, our children are left with outdated and inappropriate buildings.”
The letter also noted that even with dedicated staff, the ongoing lack of proper infrastructure hampers the quality of education.
The situation in WA schools underscores two critical realities: students with complex needs require additional support to learn effectively, and the number of such students is increasing. While it appears unlikely that sufficient funding will be allocated to address the needs of every child, the release of the expert report is essential for taking meaningful action. Transparency is crucial to ensure that the plight of students with disabilities is adequately addressed and that their educational experiences improve significantly.
