Coalition to step up installation of school security alarm systems

27/11/96

A Coalition Government will step up the installation of security alarm systems in primary and high schools throughout Western Australia.

Education Minister Colin Barnett made the announcement at Hannans Primary School in Kalgoorlie today, the scene of a devastating deliberately-lit fire which caused millions of dollars worth of damage more than two weeks ago.

Mr Barnett said that the Government had already spent more than $1.5 million providing electronic security alarm systems to existing schools considered a security risk and to upgrading systems already installed. This was in addition to new electronic security alarm systems fitted in all new schools in the metropolitan area and large country centres where there was a licensed security agent.

"The Coalition Government will substantially boost the school security program by allocating a further $700,000 over four years to make our schools safer," he said.

"This money will be used to provide more electronic security systems in primary and high schools and to install other security measures. There is no doubt that the security system installed at Hannans Primary School prevented damage from the fire being much worse.

"By the middle of next year, more than 450 schools throughout Western Australia - out of a total 770 - will have electronic security systems installed and this will continue to increase under a Coalition Government."

Mr Barnett said a Coalition Government would:

·       provide electronic security systems to those schools throughout the State identified as being a security risk and where there was a licensed security agent to respond to alarms;

·       install security measures such as sensor lighting and fencing to those schools identified as a security risk but where there was no licensed security agent to respond to alarms;

·       increase the patrol fleet which responds to electronic alarms in the metropolitan area by providing funding for two additional vehicles and guards;

·       provide a full-time Education Officer to co-ordinate and promote the School Watch program in schools and the community; and -

·       increase community awareness and reporting by promoting more widely the School Watch program through increased advertising.

Mr Barnett congratulated everyone involved in returning Hannans Primary School back to normal after the fire. He said he was very encouraged but not surprised to learn that local communities had supported the school in so many ways.

"The spirit of the local community in dealing and responding to this devastating fire attack has been marvellous," the Minister said.

"Local businesses, companies in the Goldfields, other schools and the community at large have shown their generosity, donating more than $100,000 so far."

Mr Barnett said that tenders had been called to rebuild parts of the school destroyed in the fire and the contract should be awarded by Christmas. It was expected that the buildings will be completed in time for students to move back in at the beginning of term three next year.

Media contact: Justine Whittome 222 9699