The Hon Julie Bishop MP - Minister for Education, Science and Training, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues

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Media Release

Strengthening Indigenous Communities - Tutorial assistance for Indigenous vocational and technical students

9 May 2006 BUD 11/06

Up to 20,000 Indigenous Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) students will benefit from the extension of the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme, announced today as part of the 2006-07 Budget by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP.

The programme will receive $21.8 million in funding over the next four years, allowing Indigenous students undertaking VTE courses leading to the attainment of a Certificate Level III, or above, qualification access to tutorial assistance for up to two hours per week.

"Education providers will assess student applications for tutoring to provide individual needs," Minister Bishop said.

"We know that attaining a Certificate Level III or above significantly increases the chance of an Indigenous Australian being employed.

"Indigenous students are under-represented in courses at the Certificate III and IV levels and Diploma and higher levels. This initiative will help to redress this situation."

Currently, 42% of Indigenous people aged 18-24 years are neither studying nor in the labour force, compared to 13% of other Australians. These people are often at risk of long-term disadvantage.

"It is the Australian Government’s aim to lift the educational outcomes of Indigenous students to the same levels as those of non-Indigenous students, and tutorial assistance will help achieve that," Minister Bishop said.

"Education and training is a foundation for future Indigenous economic development. Vocational and technical education is a significant contributor to developing new pathways to employment for our Indigenous young people."

Media Contacts
Minister Bishop’s Office:	Murray Hansen	0417 886 155
Dept of Education, Science & Training:	Virginia Cook	0412 971 323

Supporting Information

Why is this important?

Currently, 42% of Indigenous people aged 18-24 years are neither studying nor in the labour force, compared to 13% of other Australians. These people are often at risk of long term disadvantage.

Attaining a Certificate Level III or above significantly reduces the chance of an Indigenous Australian being unemployed.

Tutorial assistance will help Indigenous VTE students to succeed in higher level courses.

Who will benefit?

The proposal will assist Indigenous students undertaking vocational and technical education courses with an emphasis on studies leading to the attainment of a Certificate III level or above qualification.

Education providers will assess students’ applications for tutoring and engage tutors to provide assistance that addresses the students’ identified needs. The number of students who will access the tutoring will vary according to demand and assessment of needs, with the potential access by up to 20,000 full time equivalent students over four years.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

$21.8 million over four years.

What have we done in the past?

Tutorial Assistance is currently available to Indigenous school and university students, but not available for Indigenous students undertaking VTE.

When will the initiative conclude?

This initiative will continue until 30 June 2010.