FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has welcomed the announcement of an inquiry into the educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The inquiry, by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs, aims to identify the best opportunities and pathways for Indigenous students to help them succeed in school.
“Living in a regional or remote area shouldn’t prevent our kids from reaching their full potential,” said Mr Entsch.
“This inquiry will identify the strategies and educational models that have been most successful in helping ATSI students as they progress from pre-school to further and higher education.”
Mr Entsch said the Committee is calling for submissions to the inquiry to guide their report on key aspects of educational opportunities, and outcomes for students.
“We want to hear from educators, specialists, local residential and boarding schools, member of the community and the students themselves,” he said.
“This is about finding out what works when it comes to helping our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to realise their life goals and become financially independent.”
Mr Entsch said the inquiry will cover a range of areas including comparing different school models and educational services, analysing the engagement and achievement of students in remote areas, and looking at best practice at a domestic and international level.
Submissions are open until Friday 30 October 2015.
For more information on the inquiry and how to make a submission, visit the Indigenous Affairs website or contact (02) 6277 4559.
