Coalition review to revitalise education in Wide Bay

3/03/2017

Coalition review to revitalise education in Wide Bay 

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien today said the Coalition Government’s comprehensive review into regional, rural and remote education will boost outcomes for school students, and assist their further study, training and employment.

Mr O’Brien said the review would listen to feedback about education in regional areas and encouraged local educators, students, families, employers and the community to have a say.

“The Coalition is committed to giving Australians the opportunities they need to succeed, no matter where they live or what their circumstances might be,” Mr O’Brien said.

“I’ve heard the success stories, the concerns and suggestions about regional education from parents, from local businesses looking for the right people to hire, and from young people.

“This is a great opportunity for education professionals, families, and employer groups to take part in this review process, because your input and suggestions will help shape the future of improving access to education in regional and rural Australia.

“We are the only party that stands up for regional Australia and this review delivers on our commitment to tackle the unique challenges people face.  Everyone can contribute to the solutions that will better support students in school and into their career pathways. 

The comprehensive, independent review into regional, rural and remote education will be led by Emeritus Professor John Halsey of Flinders University.

The review will be critical in addressing challenges that impact on the education outcomes of regional students and seek new ideas and fresh thinking to improve education in regional areas.

“We want to hear from regional communities and find solutions to build the skills of regional Australians, to give youth better jobs and better opportunities, no matter where they live.”

The review will examine education from school entry to job success and how results can be improved for people in rural and regional areas.

Approximately one third of regional and remote students do not complete Year 12 or an equivalent unit of study and that number rises to almost two thirds of very remote students.   Regional and remote students made up just 18.8 per cent of domestic undergraduate students at universities, compared to making up 26.4 per cent of the population in 2016.

The review will be conducted in consultation with key stakeholders and will benefit country people and country communities.

For more information on how to be involved please visit: www.education.gov.au/independent-review-regional-rural-and-remote-education