Announcement fails Aboriginal students

The Minister today failed to announce any initiatives that would make a positive difference to Aboriginal students and their communities

Mr Angelo Gavrielatos, Senior Vice President NSW Teachers Federation said today.

"At the conclusion of a lengthy process of consultation about the needs of Aboriginal students, the Government has betrayed the trust Aboriginal communities placed in this Review."

"The announcement does not allocate any additional targeted resources which are necessary to improve the education of Aboriginal students. It is understood that the cost of implementing the 71 recommendations contained in the Review of Aboriginal Education, is in the order of 100 million dollars."

"The Federation has worked with the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group to develop a set of recommendations which would make a significant difference. These recommendations, reflected in the Review of Aboriginal Education include:"

• "The establishment of programs operating from schools, involving appropriate government agencies to support parents and their children aged 0 - 5. This would establish important links between school and community from an early stage.
• The establishment of a pre-school attached to all government schools with significant Aboriginal student populations.
• The establishment of a genuine inter-agency program operating from schools with significant Aboriginal populations, ensuring the school is the centre of community. These programs should be run by the Departments of Health, Sport and Recreation and other relevant Government Departments. The programs would compliment the work of the Department of Education and Training. The Teachers Federation reiterates its preparedness to negotiate variations to existing Agreements to allow for extended school days and hours of operation.
• The allocation of targeted resources to develop and support individualised learning plans for Aboriginal students. It is estimated that this initiative is costed at 12 million dollars.
• The early appointment and in-servicing of new teachers including Principals who will teach in schools with significant Aboriginal enrolments. This will ensure continuity of programs for students.
• The employment of more Aboriginal people in schools which would improve cultural understanding and learning outcomes, for students.
• "Welcome to Country" and "Acknowledgement of Country" to be observed as an introductory item at all DET (School and TAFE) events."

"The Federation remains committed and ready to negotiate the development and implementation of sound initiatives in the interests of Aboriginal students and their communities. The Federation calls on the Government to fulfil its responsibility to fund these initiatives," said Mr Gavrielatos.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005