Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton is urging residents in the Electorate of Parkes to have their say on local education issues as part of an independent review into regional, rural and remote education in Australia.
Mr Coulton said public forums are being held in in Narrabri on 19 September and Dubbo on 20 September and he encourages everyone with an interest in the educational outcomes of students to get involved.
The review, led by Emeritus Professor John Halsey of Flinders University, will consider the challenges, barriers and successes that impact on students’ education outcomes, including transition to further study, training and employment.
“This forum is an important opportunity for residents of the Electorate of Parkes to have our say on an important array of educational issues,” Mr Coulton said.
Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham, said now that the Nationals-Liberal Government had delivered a true model of needs-based funding for Australian schools, he was determined to ensure all schools were armed with the best information to put this record funding to the most effective use possible.
“The inquiry is particularly keen to hear from members of the education community, families, employers, government agencies and the philanthropic sector about how best we can support regional, rural and remote students to succeed in school and beyond,” Minister Birmingham said.
“If you have firsthand experience on what’s working, fresh ideas or innovative solutions to improve regional, rural and remote education, we want to hear from you.”
Professor Halsey is expected to deliver his report to the Government by the end of the year.
For further information about the independent review into regional, rural and remote education visit: https://www.education.gov.au/independent-review-regional-rural-and-remote-education