Vinson's letter to Cappie-Wood

The following is the text of a letter from TONY VINSON to Director-General Andrew Cappie-Wood.

It is now a little over two years since the report of the above-mentioned Inquiry [into the Provision of Public Education in NSW], sponsored by the NSW Teachers Federation and the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW, was published. As you know, I had the privilege of chairing the Inquiry and its methods and recommendations were widely acknowledged as being balanced and reflecting the professional independence of the investigators. The Inquiry and its attendant publicity served as much to draw attention to the strengths of public education as to identify areas of possible improvement.

Because of the inherent seriousness of the matters considered and the very substantial investment of time and energy by literally thousands of stakeholders across NSW, the original sponsors have decided to conduct a follow-up to the Inquiry. I have again been honoured by an invitation, which I have accepted, to conduct an objective appraisal of what has happened in the intervening period with respect to the Inquiry's recommendations. It is intended to complete the exercise by May, 2005.

The success of this project depends on the thoroughness and accuracy of the information upon which it is based. This requirement was met in the original Inquiry by the high level of cooperation extended by the DET. A protocol was established whereby requests for access to officers, schools or documents were channelled through a delegated senior officer, Mr Trevor Wootten. The arrangement was transparent and worked efficiently. I seek its restoration so that nothing of importance or indicative of planned developments will be overlooked. I realise that this proposal may require ministerial approval. Should that be the case I trust that this approach through the DET will serve also to gain the Minister's favourable consideration of my request.

Although much detailed application will be needed to do justice to initiatives taken or in train, I am already aware of some positive actions that relate to the Inquiry's recommendations of which few people seem to be aware. It is neither the intention nor the likely outcome of the proposed exercise that debate about public education will lessen. However, that debate should be informed and focus upon matters of substance rather than oversights or misunderstandings. In a word, my expectation of the follow-up exercise and the reason for my participation in it, is that it will re-focus attention on issues of major importance to the quality of public education and what is needed on all sides to both achieve that quality and convince parents of its attainment.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss what is planned with you so that I can provide any further information that you may require. Given the limited time available for the exercise may I ask that the meeting take place at your earliest convenience?

Yours sincerely

Tony Vinson

©2000-2002 NSWTF Online is a resource for teachers
provided by the NSW Teachers Federation.
[Authorisation of election comment] [Privacy]

http://www.nswtf.org.au/journal_extras/vlett.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005