Parents around the country used Twitter and a web forum to fire questions at School Education Minister during his National Conversation with Parents today.

The event was held in the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) theatre in Canberra, and was live streamed on the DEEWR website. Viewers were able to contribute questions via the chat facility on the forum, or through Twitter using the hash tag #parentsforum.

“This was an innovative use of the latest technology which allowed interested parents from around the country to ask me questions about the Government’s school improvement reforms and the issues that affect their children’s education,” Mr Garrett said.

“It was also a chance for me to talk directly to parents and provide information and updates on areas such as the current review of school funding, the extra help we’re giving to students with disability, the new Professional Standards for Teachers and other issues.”

 Over 600 people watched the conversation on the live stream. A total of 16 questions were asked during the session and over 100 were received that will be answered in the coming days. Topics included the expansion of the school chaplains scheme, indigenous education, funding for disadvantaged students, and early childhood education.

“It was a really worthwhile conversation and one that not only gave parents the chance to have their say, but also provided me with a valuable insight into what issues are important to families across Australia,” Mr Garrett said.

“I hope to hold further national conversations with parents and other groups on specific school issues early in the new year.

“I would also like to say thanks to all who participated today, including the representatives of the parents groups who travelled to Canberra and the many who participated online. ”

 The broadcast footage of the event will be available shortly at http://ministers.deewr.gov.au/video/38 and answers to the submitted questions will be published at http://ministers.deewr.gov.au/garrett