Page 1978 - Week 06 - Friday, 6 May 2005

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Indigenous children and young people to achieve outcomes equitable to the total population.

Mr Speaker, this report discusses the outcomes of a number of Indigenous educational programs and initiatives. While we can acknowledge that some progress has been made over the six-month period, much more remains to be done. Indigenous students continue to have higher rates of absenteeism than their non-Indigenous peers. This is an issue of ongoing concern, which my department is tacking through strategies including the Home School Liaison Officers, Individual Learning Plans for students in need of support, and the Leadership and Mentor Program for secondary students.

With the concerted, whole of government approach to Indigenous issues, I am confident that greater benefits and results will manifest more clearly over time. I look forward to reporting to you on the continuing gains for Indigenous students and their families.

Mr Speaker, this report, like previous reports, is of prime importance to the ACT Government. We are committed to improving and enhancing the lives of the local Indigenous community and their young people through education. We support the national approach of Australian governments working together to address Indigenous disadvantage.

I commend the Ninth Report on Performance in Indigenous Education to members of the Assembly.

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