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Mr MERTON: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Education and Training. Will the Minister explain to students in Western Sydney the inequity of a commitment of just $80,000 for the establishment of the Seven Hills Sports High School while at the same time he is committing more than $5 million to establish Matraville Sports High School to service the eastern suburbs?
Mr WATKINS: Funding measures are in place to support new schools. Quite clearly, the Government allocated funding for the revitalisation of inner city schools. I have had discussions with the sports high school to which the honourable member has referred, and those discussions are ongoing.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I place all members of the Opposition on three calls to order. It is extremely difficult for a Minister to provide an answer when four or five members of the Opposition interject as he concludes each sentence. The Leader of the Opposition might think that is rather humorous. However, some of the bad behaviour of members of the Opposition has its genesis in the behaviour of the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr WATKINS: We are in the middle of the greatest budget allocation for education—recurrent and capital spending—in the history of this State. We have a magnificent public education system. Despite the knocking and constant criticism from members of the Opposition we will strengthen that system, which we value. I have been in discussions with the school to which the honourable member has referred. That school, which is in its early days, is already taking wonderful steps forward in the provision of education in that area. We will continue to support the school.
Mr MERTON: I ask a supplementary question. Following the Minister's answer, would he explain to the people of Western Sydney when he proposes to give students and parents at Seven Hills Sports High School a fair go?
Mr SPEAKER: Order! That is not a supplementary question.
Mr Merton: Point of order: This question arises directly from the answer given by the Minister. It is a reasonable supplementary question seeking further information about when students and parents at Seven Hills Sports High School will be given a fair go.
Mrs Chikarovski: To the point of order: The Minister said in his answer that he was in discussions with the school. The honourable member for Baulkham Hills clearly asked when those discussions would be completed. That question obviously arises from the answer given by the Minister.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister answered the supplementary question when he answered the original question. Therefore, the question is not a supplementary question.