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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 2 Hansard (4 March) . . Page.. 487 ..

MS GALLAGHER (continuing):

The services to indigenous people action plan 2002-04 forms part of the ACT government schools plan 2002-04, Within Reach of Us All. The plan was developed in conjunction with another key plan for government school education, the student support action plan.

The services to indigenous people action plan outlines the department's view for improving services and educational outcomes for indigenous children, youth and families. The main goals of the plan are to overcome racism and value diversity; to form genuine and ongoing partnerships with indigenous communities; to create safe, supportive, welcoming and culturally inclusive education and service environments; and for indigenous young people to achieve outcomes equitable with those of the total population.

The draft plan was ratified by members of the IECB during 2001. After lengthy consultation, the final plan was published and launched in July 2002. The plan sets out the outcomes that are to be achieved and the actions that must be taken by schools and central office areas of the Department of Education, Youth and Family Services. The plan is realistic and achievable.

The equity and diversity plan 2000-02 specifically targets the employment of more indigenous staff in education. Officers on recruitment panels are trained in cultural awareness prior to the commencement of the recruitment process. Last year we sent a recruitment team to the Northern Territory to try to attract indigenous teachers to the ACT. It is quite difficult, as many of those teachers prefer to stay in their local communities, but it is something we are working on.

The staff induction program is continuing and has been expanded to include non-teaching staff. All participants take part in a cultural awareness module that includes indigenous cultural awareness.

Through the recording of attendance on the MAZE administration system in all schools, more accurate data on attendance is available. With the work of schools and the indigenous education unit staff, the average attendance rates for indigenous students are improving in both primary and high schools.

Finally, I would like to emphasise the importance of this report. It demonstrates that the government is implementing effective programs that are addressing the needs of indigenous students, and it keeps the issue of indigenous student education on the table, where it should be.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Education, Youth and Family Services, the ACT indigenous community and the Indigenous Education Consultative Body to ensure further improvement in performance in indigenous education.

Debate interrupted.

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