The Hon. CATHERINE CUSACK: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Education and Training. What is her response to dissatisfied parents at South Grafton High School who were advised at a recent parents and citizens meeting that the school only has access to old outdated computers, that the school has a ratio of 10 students per computer instead of five to one, and that there may not be enough computers for all of the year 10 students to sit their Information Communication Technology online exam?

The Hon. CARMEL TEBBUTT: I am not aware of the particular situation at South Grafton High School referred to by the honourable member. I will follow up those issues and undertake to get a response back to the member as soon as possible. But I take this opportunity to provide some general advice to the House about the Computers in Schools Program. Over the next four years the Government will be providing significant funding—$795 million as announced in the 2004-05 budget—to give students and teachers in New South Wales schools access to state-of-the-art technology. I have seen some of the new computers in the schools and they are indeed impressive.

Last week I was at Wyong High School where there is a special technology centre. It is extraordinary to see the type of work that students are able to do with the computer technology roll-out that the Government is funding. There is $544.4 million for the Technology for Learning Program, which includes delivering 100,000 new high speed computers to schools together with 129 additional information technology support staff to provide technical help in classrooms. There is $156.6 million for upgrading band width in schools, $77.5 million for 1.3 million e-learning accounts for students and staff in schools and in TAFE, and $16.7 million for computer technology training for teachers.

There are over 139,000 government-provided computers in New South Wales public schools. The 75,000 computers in schools that are currently leased will be purchased so that the schools may keep them. For the first time the new roll-out of computers will be installed, connected and tested by the suppliers. They are covered by a four year on-site warranty which compares favourably to the previous three-year warranties. Nonetheless, I am not aware of the situation with regard to the Grafton South High School. I will follow up that issue.