Federal Government commits $334 million to First Nations early years and education activity

The Australian Government has announced it will invest $334 million in the future of First Nations children, with the delivery of more than 550 early years and education activities to 100,000 children and students.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney announced the funding at a meeting of state and territory Ministers for Indigenous Affairs in Hobart, Tasmania yesterday, Tuesday 6 December, 2022.

This investment will supplement mainstream Commonwealth and State and Territory funding, reaching children and students across the country and is a demonstration of the commitment to Closing the Gap in education outcomes.

ECEC specific programs of note include: 

• Funding for 40 activities in South Australia including facilitated playgroups in the Far West Coast region to support First Nations children and families with school readiness.

• Funding for 68 activities in Western Australia including an early childhood program for First Nations children and their families at Halls Creek, in the East Kimberley region.

• Funding for two activities in the Australian Capital Territory including a schooling project in the Canberra region which establishes connections with community, and delivers services relating to school transitions, early literacy and numeracy to children and their parents and carers.

This investment until 2025 will advance early years and education outcomes of First Nations children, students and families and aligns with the Government’s broader commitment to close the gap, contributing to 5 of the 17 targets identified in the National Agreement for Closing the Gap.

“A strong foundation in education is so important for our children and will help them reach their full potential,” the Minister said.

“This additional investment by the Commonwealth across every state and territory will support some 100,000 First Nations children.”