Lead paint discoveries prompt inquiry into school infrastructure – The Canberra Times

ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said she would be open and transparent with the inquiry about the handling of toxic substances in schools.

“We’ve been doing all of this work already, particularly over the last couple of months, setting up a task force within education [directorate] which was part of our commitment during the election last year, and also having that expert panel set up set up to guide us through how we deliver on the $15 million commitment that we made to fast track removing some of those hazardous substances,” Ms Berry said.

Opposition education spokesman Jeremy Hanson said the fact the inquiry was set up made it clear the government had not being doing enough to manage hazardous materials.

“I think every parent across this town would want to make sure that when their child goes to school, it’s in a safe environment and I think having this inquiry looking at that is very important,” he said.

The standing committee on education and community inclusion will examine the adequacy of heating and cooling systems, capacity issues, disability access and demand for sporting facilities.

It will also look into planning for the ongoing maintenance of school facilities.

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The ACT Council of Parents and Friends Associations has been calling for better long-term infrastructure planning since the discovery of lead contamination in four Canberra public schools.

Yarralumla Primary School students were locked out of their classrooms for weeks after lead dust contaminated 11 rooms in the July school holidays.

In September, lead levels more than 100 times the acceptable threshold were found in an art storeroom at North Ainslie Primary School.

At the same time lead was discovered in the roof and wall cavities at Alfred Deakin High School.

This week it was revealed lead-contaminated dust was discovered at Richardson Primary School during routine maintenance on the heating system.

The system was sealed and the affected rooms were cleaned by specialists over the weekend before students returned on Monday.

The committee is chaired by Labor’s Michael Pettersson and will be accepting submissions until May 1, 2021.

A final report is due on or before the last sitting day of 2021.