BREAKING: A critical review into the treatment of students with disabilities in Western Australia (WA) schools is facing significant delays, raising urgent concerns among parents and educators. The review, initiated by former education minister Tony Buti nearly two years ago, was meant to address serious shortcomings in the education system affecting these vulnerable children.
In a public apology delivered in December 2023, Buti acknowledged the system’s failures: “There have been occasions where students with disabilities and their families have had experiences where the education system has let them down,” he stated. The promise to ensure every child reaches their full potential, regardless of their background or needs, has yet to be fulfilled.
The review, led by autism researcher Andrew Whitehouse and an expert panel, produced a report in December last year that remains undisclosed. Current Education Minister Sabine Winton has faced backlash for delaying its release, with promises that it will be available by the end of this year. Parents and advocates fear that without transparency, necessary changes will not be implemented.
New revelations have intensified concerns, as students with disabilities are being placed in temporary transportable classrooms that are often inadequate. Official figures show that more than half of the Education Support Centres in WA — which cater to children with disabilities on mainstream sites — rely on these outdated structures. Shadow education minister Liam Staltari described many of these transportables as “not fit for purpose,” with some over 15 years old and plagued by issues like mould and broken air-conditioning.
The plight of students is exemplified by the situation at Holland Street School in Geraldton, where only three out of nine classrooms are in permanent buildings. The school community voiced their frustration, stating, “While their siblings attend modern, mainstream schools with giant gyms and sparkling science labs, our children are left with outdated and inappropriate buildings.”
Despite the state government showcasing new school facilities, the reality for many students with special needs is grim. The P&C from Holland Street highlighted that the “extraordinary” staff cannot provide optimal education due to the lack of proper infrastructure. They stressed that urgent investment is necessary to support students with complex medical and learning needs.
As the number of children requiring additional support continues to rise, the urgency for adequate funding and resources has never been more critical. Parents and advocacy groups are calling for immediate action, emphasizing that the only way to truly give every child a chance is to release the findings of the long-awaited report.
NEXT STEPS: As the deadline for the report’s release approaches, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments. The educational community and families await clarity on how WA intends to address these pressing issues, and whether the government will commit to meaningful changes that ensure no child is left behind.
The emotional weight of this situation is profound, impacting the lives of countless families across WA. The call for action is clear: without transparency and investment, the promise of equal education for all children remains unfulfilled.
