Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) | Hansard source

I thank Senator Stewart for her question and her interest in Central Australia. The Albanese government's $18 million investment in boarding-school infrastructure in Central Australia is a game changer for First Nations students from remote communities. For many of these children, boarding school is not just an option; it's their only opportunity.

This initiative builds on a proud legacy of ensuring education for remote Indigenous students, one that began when Gough Whitlam established the boarding facilities at Yirara College, giving kids the chance to succeed in a supportive environment. And I speak from experience. As a child I made the journey of over 1,000 kilometres from Borroloola to boarding school in Alice Springs. It's why I was so incredibly proud to announce, on my recent trip to Alice Springs, funding to continue Labor's legacy of education for our remote kids. The funding offer included $10 million to upgrade the boarding facilities at Yirara College, alongside $1.7 million for St Philip's College and $6.3 million for Yipirinya School.