FEDERAL Member for Wright Scott Buchholz has welcomed a review of regional education as a win for students and families in his electorate.
The Coalition Government will do a comprehensive review of regional education with the aim of getting more regional, rural and remote students to not just be successful at school but to go on to further study, training and employment.
Mr Buchholz, who has advocated for the best deal for kids from the country through his support of the Isolated Children's Parents' Assocation, said the review would give regional communities a voice.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the review would be critical in addressing the key barriers and challenges that impact on the educational outcomes of regional, rural and remote students.
“The Coalition Government’s independent comprehensive review into equity of education access for rural and regional students will seek fresh ideas and fresh thinking to bridge the divide,” he said.
“There’s a clear disparity between education in the bush and the city – this seeks to address the gap of achievement, aspiration and access to higher education faced by regional students.
“That’s why we are going out to the edges, to hear from our regional communities in order to find solutions to build the skills of regional Australians to allow our youth better jobs and better opportunities no matter where they live.”
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the independent review would be led by Emeritus Professor John Halsey of Flinders University.
Mr Buchholz encouraged the people of Wright to consider making a submission.
“People from the education community, families, employer groups and the philanthropic sector – I strongly encourage you to make a submission or take part in the face-to-face consultations.”
“Please tell us what's working, what's not working and how you think we should improve it – we want to hear your stories and feedback.”
The review will be done in consultation with key stakeholders and will benefit country people and country communities. A discussion paper and online platform for public submissions will be available from April 2017. Professor Halsey will present his final report and recommendations to the government by the end of 2017.
For more information visit www.education.gov.au/independent-review-regional-rural-and-remote-education
Caption: Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Education Minister Simon Birmingham announce the independent review.
