The Australian Government is investing $334 million in the future of First Nations children, with the delivery of more than 550 early years and education activities to 100,000 children and students.
The Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney will announce the funding at a meeting of state and territory Ministers for Indigenous Affairs in Hobart, Tasmania on Tuesday 6 December, 2022.
The range of activities includes facilitated playgroups in the Alice Springs region, to mentoring for First Nations students in Brisbane, and school to work transition support in remote western New South Wales.
This investment will supplement mainstream Commonwealth and State and Territory funding, reaching children and students across the country and is a demonstration of the commitment to Closing the Gap in education outcomes.
Northern Territory
Funding for 129 activities in the Northern Territory including a nutritious breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea program for students in 76 schools across the Northern Territory.
Queensland
Funding for 104 activities in Queensland including scholarships support for students involved in the Cape York Leaders Program. This program assists students from Cape York to attend boarding schools in other parts of Queensland.
New South Wales
Funding for 158 activities in New South Wales including mentoring and support for students and their families as they prepare for Year 12 and further study at university.
South Australia
Funding for 40 activities in South Australia including facilitated playgroups in the Far West Coast region to support First Nations children and families with school readiness.
Western Australia
Funding for 68 activities in Western Australia including an early childhood program for First Nations children and their families at Halls Creek, in the East Kimberley region.
Victoria
Funding for 46 activities in Victoria including a program in Melbourne that provides intensive support to young people who are at risk of disengaging from school.
Tasmania
Funding for 7 activities in Tasmania including a program working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart.
Australian Capital Territory
Funding for 2 activities in the Australian Capital Territory including a schooling project in the Canberra region which establishes connections with community, and delivers services relating to school transitions, early literacy and numeracy to children and their parents and carers.
This investment until 2025 will advance early years and education outcomes of First Nations children, students and families and aligns with the Government’s broader commitment to close the gap, contributing to 5 of the 17 targets identified in the National Agreement for Closing the Gap.
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:
“A strong foundation in education is so important for our children and will help them reach their full potential.
“This additional investment by the Commonwealth across every state and territory will support some 100,000 First Nations children.
“The Albanese government is committed to ensuring every First Nations child across Australia, no matter where they live, grows up healthy and strong and ready to thrive throughout school and beyond.”