Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Getting local students into the jobs of the future means providing the best possible education today. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in my electorate of Lindsay, we are investing in their education so they are supported, prepared and equipped with the skills they need to take on their future. I was proud to announce with the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, almost half a million dollars for two local organisations, the Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services and Community Junction Inc., to help improve school attendance and keep local students engaged through their education journey. This is part of the Morrison government's Indigenous Advancement Strategy, which is investing $5.2 billion over four years to help Indigenous Australians get the best education and job opportunities, backing families and communities with practical, on-the-ground support.

There are over 6,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Lindsay. We are making sure young families in Lindsay are getting connected to local services so kids can get ready for school and stay engaged in school and get the best education. I welcomed Minister Wyatt to Lindsay to a grassroots community forum with local Aboriginal leaders and community organisations. As Minister Wyatt says, we can give Indigenous Australians a voice through conversation and understanding, not from loud voices in Canberra and in the media, but talking at a local level to make sure all voices are heard. I thank Minister Wyatt for coming to Lindsay, and I look forward to working closely with our local Aboriginal community and with the minister on addressing priorities in my community. (Time expired)