Bruce Baird (Cook, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Miranda North Public School. He is a great example of education in the Sutherland shire. In terms of countering substance abuse, the Australian government’s Partnership Outreach Education Model has achieved considerable progress in this area, and this new program of diversionary education will build upon that progress. It is aimed at preventing young people from becoming involved in substance abuse.

In conclusion, the government remains committed to addressing the inequalities that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, particularly to addressing the education area by identifying the problem areas—in particular for those students in year 9, when difficulties exist in their maths and English—providing tutors, helping them overcome problems in other areas, providing these special centres for developing sporting skills, and of course, providing more funding for education in relation to substance abuse.

Overall, I think it is an incremental move forward. I congratulate the minister in bringing forward this bill. I note the comments of the shadow minister, and I am pleased to see that the opposition will support the bill. It is inherent on all parliamentarians to look at the challenge of Indigenous education and at the challenge of our Indigenous community and what we can do. No-one can provide any easy solutions, but at least this addresses in a practical way some of the inequalities that exist and assists people to develop that pride in themselves—the self-help that is required—and to bring out the real talents they have. I think it is worth while and I commend the bill to the House.

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