Reconciliation and Social Justice Library
Reconciliation and Social Justice Library
6.66 As part of AEP each state and territory formulates triennial strategic plans for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education across all education sectors. These plans are developed and reviewed annually in consultation with the Commonwealth. The states, territories and the Commonwealth are required to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in the development of the plans.
6.67 The 21 long term goals of the AEP are listed at Appendix 8. While all are undoubtedly very worthwhile goals, two goals relevant to this inquiry seemed to be well short of full implementation as far as the committee could establish in its inquiry. Goal i calls for effective arrangements for the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and community members in decisions about school service delivery. Apart from ASSPA many communities did not believe they had an effective relationship with the school and the school was unaware of or insensitive to their needs. Independent schools such as Yipirinya at Alice Springs have been taken up by ATSI parents and students who sometimes stayed away from mainstream schools.
6.68 Goal 17 of the AEP is to develop programs to support the maintenance and continued use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. The provision of such programs is still very uneven with many areas being completely neglected. As outlined in Chapter 4 the NSW Government did not believe it had any obligation to provide nor did it have any intention of resourcing, Aboriginal language programs.
6.69 The Aboriginal Languages Education Strategy and the Aboriginal Literacy Strategy both involve the targeting of funds within AEP. The committee is concerned that strategies within AEP be carefully monitored to ensure their full and effective implementation.
6.70 The committee recommends that:
· in the ongoing monitoring of state and territory strategic plans under AEP, the Commonwealth, in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education organisations, ensure the effective implementation of Goals i and 17. (Recommendation 33)
Duncan Kerr, MP Les Scott, MP
Chairman Sub-committee Chairman
2 June 1992
APPENDIX 1