A record seven new Families as First Teachers (FaFT) centres highlights the 2019 Education Budget, which continues to deliver on the Territory Labor Government’s investment in generational change.

The Territory Labor Government will spend $1.5 million to expand FaFT to seven remote communities, bringing the total number operating in the Territory to 53 (up from 27 centres in 2016). 

The FaFT program, introduced by a Territory Labor Government 10-years ago, focuses on early learning literacy and numeracy so young children are ready for day one of school.

The seven communities are:

·        Robinson River

·        Areyonga

·        Urapunga

·        Barunga

·        Laramba

·        Mount Allan

·        Milikapiti

The total Department of Education Budget for 2019 is $1.08 billion, nearly half of which, $518 million, is to go directly to schools to support student learning and to recruit teachers.

Other highlights of the 2019 Education Budget are:

·        More teachers after the former CLP Government cut numbers

·        $29 million for Stage 2 of Zuccoli which will see the construction of a Territory Government primary school and shared facilities, including an oval.

·        $2 million for an engagement centre at Tennant Creek High School to support programs such as STARS and Clontarf.

·        $2.3 million to deliver professional learning and coaching programs to improve the quality of teaching.

·        $2.2 million to establish the School and System Improvement unit to support schools to measure the progress towards achieving improved outcomes for our students.

·        $2 million towards the Framework for Inclusion to promote an environment in NT Government schools which is inclusive, fair and focused on delivering learning to meet individual needs.

Budget 2019 also includes the third round of the Territory Labor Government’s core Building Better Schools initiative, which will see every school receive $300,000 to upgrade their infrastructure over this term of government.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“The Territory Labor Government will always invest more in education, because we know education is key to generational change and creating brighter futures for all children.

“The FaFT program is so important because parents and families are children’s first and most important teachers and it supports them in a culturally sensitive way. More than half of our FaFT employees are Aboriginal.

“Being ready for day one of school is essential for kids’ later success and ability to contribute to society, both socially and economically. It shapes a child’s ability to thrive at school, stay healthy and be socially connected.

“Unlike the CLP, who slashed $135 million from the education budget and sacked hundreds of teachers and support staff, we are investing in education because it’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”

Quote from FaFT Family Educator, Meg Hewett, below: 

“The FaFT Program empowers families in Galiwin’ku to raise strong children in both Yolngu and Balanda worlds as the first step in their educational journey.

“Each day the learning and growth of our youngest community members is visible – through song, story, culture, dance, language, art and play.”

Media Contact – Jasmin Afianos – 0419 361 127