Northern Territory Education Legislation 2015
Friday 8 January 2016 @ 10.45 a.m. | Legal Research
On 10 December 2015, the Northern Territory Government gave assent to the Education Act 2015 and on 15 December 2015, introduced the Education Regulations 2015. The new legislation replaces the existing NT Education Act 1979 which has provided the foundation for education in the Northern Territory for almost thirty five years. The predecessor legislation had become outdated and no longer provided the adequate framework for delivering high-quality, contemporary education for the development of students.
The Legislation
The purpose of the Act, as introduced in its Bill's explanatory statement, is to provide a strong foundation for an education system that is relevant to current and future young students of the NT. It aims to support modern teaching and learning methods. The Act therefore incorporates within it a broad range of education delivery methods, and provides better clarification for the end point of schooling and thereby increasing the range of options available to principals in managing the behaviour and wellbeing of students, and allowing more opportunities for parent and community involvement in schools.
According to Peter Chandler, NT Minister of the Crown, in his second reading speech introducing the Act (then a bill):
“This bill supports the implementation of new government policy such as independent public schools, and will make significant updates in important matters such as expanding the opportunities for parent and community involvement in schools, supporting contemporary practices for students with a disability and broaden options for principals managing student wellbeing and behaviour.”
The Act also contains a number of notable updates from the previous Act such as the express prohibition of corporal punishment, providing a legislative basis for contemporary elements such as vocational education and training; providing a legislative basis for international students; and including powers to enable the Northern Territory to enter into partnerships to provide education services overseas.
TimeBase is an independent, privately owned Australian legal publisher specialising in the online delivery of accurate, comprehensive and innovative legislation research tools including LawOne and unique Point-in-Time Products.
Sources:
Education Act 2015, as reproduced in TimeBase Lawone
Education Regulation 2015, as reproduced in TimeBase Lawone
Education Bill 2015, explanatory memorandum and second reading speech as reproduced in TimeBase LawOne
