A NANGWARRY mother is still waiting for Education Minister John Gardner to deliver on the government’s promise to ensure her children have access to a school bus.
Frustrated parent Rachel Manninen, whose three children travel 15km to school each day, was informed in early 2018 her children would not be eligible to catch the bus to and from school.
Ms Manninen was among a number of families at private schools across the Limestone Coast – including Mary MacKillop, St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School and Tenison Woods College – being denied access to the local school transport service.
In the lead up to the 2018 election, the Liberal Party pledged to address the issue of access and equity for students who attend non-government schools, but are unable to access public school buses.
At the time, the Minister – then Opposition spokesman – said the government were committed to supporting parental choice and equitable access to school buses.
But almost two years on, Ms Manninen has had to organise alternate means of tranport.
“It just does not seem fair,” she said.
“Every child should be able to access a bus to school.
“Decisions should be based on need – not the type of school you choose to attend.
“In rural and remote areas – the need for transport is vital.”
The current school transport policy offers school bus access to public and private students who meet specific eligibility criteria.
However, Ms Manninen’s children are not eligible because as they bypass Nangwarry Primary School.
“From what I understand, there are a number of primary school students from Nangwarry who attend Penola Primary School, bypassing Nangwarry Primary School, who have been granted eligibility, yet my children have not,” she said.
I do not see why our children should be excluded based on our choice to put them in a Catholic school, especially given the government’s assurances there would be equitable access to buses for all students.”
A review into bus transport services was undertaken early last year, but no action has been taken.
In a statement, the Education Minister said proposals contained in the school bus review are “currently under consideration”.
Catholic Education South Australia assistant director Bruno Vieceli said families were disappointed with the government’s inaction on the issue.
“18 months on, we still have no change,” he said.
“Imagine not being able to access a guaranteed place on your school bus to ensure your child gets to school safely?
“This sounds crazy, but this is a reality for a number of families living in rural areas.
“Families were expecting action would be taken to resolve the situation following the 2018 election.”
The minister was asked when a decision was due, but a response was not received before press time.
