GEN WA Minister for Education Sabine Winton press conference at Parliament House.
UPDATE: A transformative review of Western Australia’s outdated School Education Act has just been released, confirming that no child should be denied enrollment due to disability. The report, completed nearly one year ago, will be tabled in Parliament on Thursday after significant pressure from disability advocates and media outlets.
Currently, Western Australia is the only state that allows principals to deny enrollment based on whether an “appropriate” educational program is available, a policy that has sparked widespread criticism. The review, led by autism expert Andrew Whitehouse, emphatically states that the Act must ensure disability is not a factor in denying students access to their local schools.
The expert panel highlighted that private schools could also “indirectly discriminate” by requiring sensitive information, such as NAPLAN scores, in their enrollment processes. Furthermore, the review underscored critical infrastructure issues, noting that inadequate access for students with disabilities represents a substantial barrier to universal enrollment rights.
A significant finding in the report indicates that students with disabilities are sometimes unfairly suspended or excluded for behaviors stemming from unmet reasonable adjustments, such as the removal of fidget tools. The review calls for clearer regulations regarding “restrictive practices” like physical restraint and isolation in schools.
In response to the review, Education Minister Sabine Winton announced the establishment of a dedicated “disability reform unit” aimed at enhancing access and services for students with disabilities in public schools. The unit’s first actions will include a thorough review of existing enrollment regulations to ensure equitable treatment for all students.
Winton stated, “Every child has the right to a quality education that supports them to learn and grow.” She emphasized the need for schools to provide opportunities for students with disabilities to engage and succeed in their learning environments. “We will prioritize changes that lead to the most timely and effective outcomes for students with disabilities and their families,” she added.
As this urgent reform unfolds, the implications for thousands of families in Western Australia are profound. The commitment to inclusivity and fairness in education marks a pivotal shift in how the needs of students with disabilities will be addressed moving forward.
Stay tuned for further developments as the review is discussed in Parliament and the new disability reform unit begins its work. The call for change has never been more urgent, and the eyes of advocates and families across the state are now focused on ensuring that every child receives the educational opportunities they deserve.
