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White Australia Policy Abolished
In 1973 under the labour government the white Australia policy was finally removed, which meant indigenous Australian children could attend public schools and receive and education along with non-indigenous children (reconciliaction, 2007; DIC, 2012) -
Period: to
Policies and practices
The policies and practices for indigenous education are always rapidly being updated, changing and implemented throughout Australia. This timeline will show key points and practices that have been introduced and removed during the Northern Territories indigenous education history. Some policies and practices are Australia wide but have resulted in a major impact on the Northern Territory and localised polices and practices being formed. -
Bilingual program began in Northerm Territory
Bilingual education in the Northern Territory was initiated by the then labor government to help promote efficient learning, self identity, to allow indigenous students to learn in their own language to assist in their development of the english language. (Whitmont, 2009; Devlin, 2011) -
Bilingual program to be phased out
The bilingual program was decided by the country liberals to be slowly phased out. according to the party the reason for this decision was because the indigenous people were worried about the operation of the program and there was supposed evidence showing that students in the bilingual programs were not performing as well as students in regular school. The last reason given was that the government wanted to cut back on the education budget.
(Whitmont, 2009; Devlin, 2011 ) -
Two Way learning introduced
After public pressure by the public and communities the government reached the policy decision of 'two way' learning. Essentially this policy included bilingual elements but according to the government the main difference would be the tracking of student attendance and their academic progress
more strictly and carefully.
(Whitmont, 2009) -
Compulsory teaching in English for the first four hours
The government decided to make teaching in English compulsory for the first 4 hours of the school day. The apparent reason for this policy was because the Northern Territory remote and bilingual students preformed 'poor' in the national skills tests in 2008.
(Whitmont, 2009) -
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan
The Action plan aims to take a national approach to closing the gap in education outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. The key focus in the Northern Territory will be to improve the education of indigenous students, engage families and communities, and put emphasis on evidence-based planning. The 6 priority domains
•Readiness for school
•Engagement
•Attendance
•Literacy and numeracy
•Leadership and workforce development
•Career opitunities (DEEWR, 2012; MCEECDYA, 2010)