25 May 2006
Representatives of Monash University Law School's Castan Centre for Human Rights Law and the leading Melbourne law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler have visited the Northern Territory community of Wadeye to assess the community's legal options regarding the substantial under-funding of education there.
The Castan Centre and the firm have been helping the community on a pro bono basis since last year.
Castan Centre Associate Director Ms Melissa Castan said the historical and current funding deficit meant Wadeye had only a primary school, with places for 400 students. The 288 secondary school-age students had nowhere to go and some chose to attend the primary school.
"The fact there are not enough places for the children to go to school at Wadeye is a national disgrace," she said.
"Governments are legally obliged to ensure every Australian child gets a proper education, regardless of where they live. This is clearly not happening in Wadeye," Dr Castan said.
Arnold Bloch Liebler partner Mr Peter Seidel said some politicians had decided the Aboriginal people of Wadeye had only themselves to blame for their predicament.
"They are plainly wrong because governments have under-funded education in Wadeye," he said. "What's worse, even where they budget for that money, it's not fully spent. A lack of education and opportunity causes frustration and tension in any community. Wadeye is experiencing exactly that."
At the request of the Thamarrurr Regional Council, Arnold Bloch Liebler has obtained several government documents under freedom of information. The firm says the documents reveal that:
- In 2004 and 2005, the Northern Territory Government failed to fully spend Commonwealth Indigenous education funding. In 2005, almost $1.5 million was unspent.
- The Territory Government denies a housing subsidy to local Indigenous teachers but it subsidises non-Indigenous teachers.
- The Territory Government spent Commonwealth Indigenous education funds on non-education related projects, including approximately $200,000 for Croc Festival in October 2005.
- The Territory and Commonwealth Governments have acknowledged that a 1979 agreement, which dictates funding arrangements for former mission schools like Wadeye, is not working and Prime Minister Howard says it must be replaced.
Further information contact Ms Natasha Whalley, Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 9201 or 0437 458 457 or Peter Seidel, Partner, Arnold Bloch Leibler 03 9229 9769.
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