Jana Stewart (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator McCarthy. The educational outcomes of First Nations students are still significantly lower than those of their peers. I understand that, for many First Nations students from remote areas, boarding schools are the only option to engage in education. What steps has the Albanese Labor government taken to support First Nations students in Central Australia?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) | Link to this | 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.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Stewart, first supplementary?

Jana Stewart (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister, for that response. How will this funding support schools in Central Australia to improve their facilities, and what difference will this make for First Nations students?

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

The $18 million in funding is directly supporting schools like Yirara College and St Philip's College to create better environments for learning and for growth. At Yirara, the $10 million investment will upgrade and expand boarding facilities, ensuring students have access to comfortable and modern living spaces that support their educational journey. It was wonderful to be with the Yirara College students on that day, especially the senior students, who talked about what they would like to see happen. St Philip's College will use its $1.7 million allocation to improve its facilities and provide a better boarding experience for First Nations students. These upgrades will make a significant difference in ensuring students feel supported, safe and motivated to engage in their education. The Yipirinya School board met shortly after the funding offer was made and unanimously voted to withdraw their application.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Stewart, second supplementary?

Jana Stewart (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister, for that response. Following the withdrawal of Yipirinya School's funding application, what steps are being taken to reallocate the unused funding to benefit students and young people in Central Australia?

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

The National Indigenous Australians Agency is currently exploring options to allocate the $6.3 million of the $18 million of funding to other important projects in Central Australia. The need in Central Australia is significant, and our government is committed to ensuring this opportunity is not wasted. My agency will shortly provide me with advice about how we can reallocate the remaining $6.3 million to benefit the people of Central Australia by expanding educational opportunities and increasing residential facilities for remote students. I welcome input from those senators opposite—and, in particular, the shadow Indigenous affairs minister—in regard to that as well.