About QCPCA 
The speech, which is copied below, acknowledges the work of QCPCA, P&Cs and outgoing State President Margaret Black.
The Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Associations is one of the largest stakeholder groups that the Queensland government works with and is certainly by far the largest stakeholder in the education portfolio. The QCPCA represents the interests of almost 490,000 students and their parents in over 1,200 schools in our state education system.
The QCPCA is our major education partner in the state school system and a very strong relationship with this group is essential. Every one of these members are active and every one of them is a volunteer. I am sure I am joined by other members of the House when I pay tribute to all parents who, after a busy day, set off for the monthly meeting at their local school, who take the time to support school events and contribute to the ongoing education debate.
Today, on the eve of the QCPCA state conference, I want to particularly put on record my appreciation for the constructive and robust relationship the government has with the QCPCA at the school level and at the executive level. I want to make particular note that the QCPCA state president, Mrs Margaret Black, will be retiring at this year's conference. Margaret Black will be known to many in this chamber on all sides of the House. She is someone who has given a lifetime to this organisation not only here in Queensland, but also, prior to her family moving to Queensland, she was an active member in the Northern Territory. I have met few more passionate and remarkable people who have devoted such a significant portion of their life to the representation of parents and the interests of children in the quest for great education outcomes.
As a former minister for education I can attest that you will not ever die wondering about the QCPCA's position on any education issue. Over the last three years Margaret has led the QCPCA through some significant education reforms. We thank her for her wise advice, her constructive criticism and for being an active champion for the children in our schools. I know that Margaret has formed a very good working relationship with the current minister for education, and I am sure he would join with me in acknowledging what a fierce advocate she can be when she is on the other side of the table.
The bulk of Margaret's 30 years as an active parent representative has been in Queensland and for the last 20 of those 30 years she has been executive member of the QCPCA. It really is a remarkable contribution to public life. I am pleased to put on the record today our appreciation. I know that members of the House will join with me in wishing Margaret Black all the best as she moves to the next phase of her very busy life.
2 September 2010
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