THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S INDIGENOUS STUDENT TEACHER SCHOLARSHIPS

13 October 2009

The Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, said today that she was delighted that the Government’s creation of the Governor-General’s Indigenous Student Teacher Scholarships reflected her commitment to the education of young indigenous Australians

“These scholarships, awarded annually to support Indigenous university students in their teacher education studies, recognise the importance of closing the gap in education outcomes between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous Australians”, Ms Bryce said.

“The Government, particularly the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Ms Julia Gillard, has responded to the needs of our indigenous communities with the decision to provide up to eight Governor-General’s Teacher Education Scholarships in each state and territory”, she said.

“The Scholarships will extend for the period of up to four years, and I’m delighted that applications for the first scholarships will be open in November this year. There will be three rounds of scholarships, for 2010, 2011 and 2012”.

“My first year as Governor-General has taken me to indigenous communities in Coober Pedy, South Australia, and Papunya and Maningrida in the Northern Territory”, Ms Bryce said.

“As Governor of Queensland, I also developed strong links with indigenous communities in that State, and I know that supporting Indigenous participation in teacher training has the potential to encourage Indigenous students to complete year 12 and take up a position as a teacher”.

“I look forward to meeting the first recipients of the Governor-General’s Indigenous Student Teacher Scholarships”.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Further information can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/indigenousteachersscholarships

Further information:  Niree Creed 0418 625 595