ICPA (AUST) Welcomes New Government and Calls For A Rural and Regional Education Minister

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ICPA (Aust) congratulates and welcomes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his newly elected federal Labor Government.

ICPA (Aust) represent geographically isolated families and their children, a disadvantaged cohort who require specialised support to ensure they can access an equitable education to that of their metropolitan counterparts, from early childhood education through to tertiary and training. We look forward to working with newly appointed Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, along with Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP and the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training to address these disadvantages.

It is well known that communications play a key role in ensuring adequate access to education in rural and remote Australia and the opportunity to engage with the new Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP to ensure provision of adequate connectivity for all students will be welcomed.

ICPA (Aust) also welcomes the new appointment of the Minister for Early Childhood Education, the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP and is eager to work with the Minister to raise the current challenges being faced across the country in early childhood education that are amplified or significant in rural and remote areas.

ICPA (Aust) notes that whilst there is an Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health there is no Minister for Rural and Regional Education in the new cabinet. ICPA (Aust) considers this to be a critical role for the Government to fully understand and adequately address the disadvantages experienced by children in geographically isolated areas as well as the significant challenges parents face to achieve equitable and affordable education for their children. ICPA (Aust) will be advocating for this appointment with the new Government.

Further information and comments please contact:

Alana Moller, Federal President

Suzanne Wilson, Federal Publicity Officer