97Consultation before amalgamation or permanent closure

97 Consultation before amalgamation or permanent closure (1) This section applies if the Minister proposes to exercise a power under section 96(1). (2) The Minister must consult on the proposal with: (a) the principal and staff of the school or schools affected by the proposal; and (b) the students enrolled in the school or schools affected by the proposal and their parents; and (c) any bodies that the Minister considers to be representative of the persons mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) or of the community in which the school or schools affected by the proposal is or are located. (3) The Minister must consult on the following matters: (a) alternative arrangements for the enrolment of students affected by the proposal and the appropriateness of those arrangements; (b) alternative arrangements for allocating to one or more other schools the principal and staff affected by the proposal; (c) the provision of education or training services to students affected by the proposal; (d) the disposal of any assets realised as a result of the proposal; (e) any other matter that the Minister considers appropriate.

Education Act 2015 53 (4) The Minister may consult in the manner that the Minister considers appropriate and the Minister's decision on the manner of consultation cannot be challenged, reviewed or called into question by a court or tribunal.