26 February 1999
Bush Schooling - National Inquiry into Rural and Remote School Education
Remote and
rural education is to be the focus of a national inquiry
by Human Rights Commissioner Chris Sidoti.
The inquiry is the first project to result from Bush Talks....a series of consultations with rural and remote communities around the country over the last twelve months.
The inquiry will examine how well rural and remote school education meets the rights of children under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention declares the right of every child to education without discrimination. Primary education must be free and compulsory and secondary education must be available and accessible to every young person.
"The standard of educational services was one of the major issues to be raised with us on Bush Talks", says Mr Sidoti. "It is a fact that children in rural and remote Australia are less likely to complete their education than children in regional and urban centres."
"Children who live outside the major population centres in Australia should not have to settle for a second rate education", says Mr Sidoti.
The inquiry will address issues of equity, accessibility and the quality of educational services for remote communities including Indigenous communities.
"Our aim is to highlight the particular disadvantage suffered by schools in remote areas and promote some of the best models of service delivery."
A number of public hearings will be held in different regions. Students and parents will also have the opportunity to contribute through participation in discussion groups and in a national survey to be distributed mid year.
The Commission has appointed a number of education experts to assist the inquiry: Ms Barb Flick (NSW), Associate Professor Brian Devlin (NT), Sr Pat Rhatigan (WA), Lady Pearl Logan (Qld) and Dr Alby Jones (SA).
To find out more about participating in the inquiry you can phone 1300 369 530.
For further information and interviews please call Erin Broderick on (02) 9284 9880 or 0419 258 597.
Last updated 2 December 2001.
