Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has labeled the Education Minister’s response to his inquiry about school infrastructure in the Kiama electorate as “unacceptable” and lacking in detail.

Mr Ward’s questions followed concerns from parents at Cambewarra Public School, where demountable classrooms were replaced due to mould and safety issues. He raised a formal Question on Notice in Parliament, highlighting broader issues affecting local education infrastructure.

His inquiry included the following questions:

1. What are the current waiting lists for each public school in the Kiama electorate?
2. Which schools are at maximum capacity, and which are not?
3. When were school boundaries last reviewed?
4. Will underutilised schools be allowed to take on additional enrolments to ease overcrowding, and if not, why?

The Minister’s response stated:

"All NSW government school intake areas are regularly monitored and reviewed by the Department of Education as populations and enrolment trends change over time. The department provides a place in a public primary and high school for every local student seeking to enrol, in line with its enrolment policy."

Mr Ward criticised the response, calling it dismissive and devoid of actionable information.

“This Minister is either arrogant or out of her depth,” he said. “I’m allowed nine questions per sitting week, and these questions reflect genuine community concerns. Ministers aren’t monarchs, but this response shows a complete disregard for accountability.”

Mr Ward emphasised the pressing need for transparency, particularly with the planned expansion of housing in the Shoalhaven and Shellharbour regions.

“We have thousands of new homes on the way, but infrastructure - including schools - isn’t keeping up. Why won’t the government release data they clearly have?” he asked.

Mr Ward highlighted his previous successes, including pressuring the Department of Education to include the Bomaderry High School upgrade in the State Budget. He has also introduced a parliamentary motion for major upgrades at Cambewarra Public School and raised concerns about the loss of opportunity classes in the Shoalhaven.

“This government talks a big game on housing and education but fails to deliver basic answers to reasonable questions. It says everything about this Minister and their priorities,” Mr Ward concluded.