Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Macquarie for his question. I know that as a former economics and history teacher he is very interested in this issue. The teaching of Australian history in our schools has been downgraded. In fact, in a number of schools it is not even an optional extra. I announced recently that I would be hosting a summit to find ways to strengthen the teaching of Australian history in our schools, and that summit will be held in Canberra tomorrow. I have invited leading historians and public figures who are supporting the teaching of Australian history in our schools. I invited education leaders and teachers, including the President of the History Teachers Association of Australia. Eminent historians John Hirst, Inga Clendinnen and Geoffrey Blainey will be in attendance, and Bob Carr, the former Labor Premier from New South Wales, will also be in attendance.

We on this side of the House believe it is time for a renaissance in the teaching of Australian history. Students need to know more about our national story. If they can better understand the past, they will be more informed citizens of the future. The summit will focus on what is currently being taught and how and on what should be taught and why. Yes, I have written to all state and territory education ministers seeking their input. I have not had a response from any except the minister in the ACT. Tomorrow, we will pursue the strengthening of Australian history in our schools. I want to work collaboratively with the state and territory governments and with education authorities to ensure that Australian history is a key component in every school curriculum. I was astonished to read in the Australian newspaper—

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