Boarding options for First Nations students in Central Australia

The Australian and Northern Territory Governments have directed officials to conduct an assessment of boarding school options and capacity in Central Australia.

This will be conducted by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Commonwealth Department of Education and the Northern Territory Department of Education.

All relevant stakeholders, including the Central Australian Aboriginal Leadership Group, the Central Australian Regional Controller and local schools which may be seeking to establish or expand accommodation options will be consulted.

This includes local schools, Yipirinya School, Yirara College and St Philip’s College.

This assessment will consider proposals to establish, expand or improve boarding accommodation to deliver the best outcome for the entire Central Australian community.

Both Governments are committed to improving education outcomes for young people in Central Australia.

As part of the $250 million landmark plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia, an additional $40.4 million has been allocated to the 46 schools in the Central Australia region for On-Country Learning.

This assessment builds on this investment and will also be informed by the findings of the Northern Territory Government’s Review of Secondary Schooling.

The Australian and Northern Territory Governments have sought this assessment and advice by the end of the year.

Quotes attributable to Minister Burney MP:

“Listening to the views of people in Central Australia is an important step and is consistent with the approach we are taking in our plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia.

“It is important to understand the current provision of supported student accommodation, existing expansion proposals and the needs of remote students.

“The approach to education in Central Australia must focus on the needs and aspirations of young people and their families.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Clare MP:

“This builds on the $40.4 million investment the Albanese Government is making in Central Australian schools.

“This is about working with local schools and local Indigenous leaders to make sure students have the support they need to reach their potential.”

Quotes attributable to Marion Scrymgour MP:

“It’s really important we work through the boarding needs and views from the local community in Central Australia.

“This approach is aimed at making sure Federal funding is targeted, accountable and in line with the needs of the community.”