Recommendation 111
• States and territories
Through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, Australian Government funding is targeted at increased and positive participation in early childhood development, primary and tertiary education, and vocational training. While the states and territories are responsible for education delivery, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is leading the work of the Australian Government to improve access to and the quality of education for Indigenous people. More information can be found on the Indigenous Affairs - Education page on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website. Australian governments are working together to close the gap in Indigenous outcomes. Through the Council of Australian Governments, education opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are improving. A National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy sets complementary actions for states and territories. More information on the strategy can be found on the Department of Education and Training website.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar, is currently leading a national consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls to understand their priorities, needs and aspirations, for themselves and their families. The Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project runs throughout 2018, with the Commissioner to provide her report to the Commonwealth in mid-2019. The report will provide guidance to governments on how to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls as active citizens and positive change makers.
For information on state and territory policies and programmes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, visit:
- Australian Capital Territory – Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
- New South Wales – Office of Communities—Aboriginal Affairs
- Northern Territory – Office of Aboriginal Affairs
- Queensland – Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
- South Australia – Department of Premier and Cabinet, Aboriginal Community Advice and Support
- Tasmania – Department of Premier and Cabinet, Office of Aboriginal Affairs
- Victoria – Department of Premier and Cabinet, Aboriginal Victoria
- Western Australia – Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage