PM Transcripts

', AUSTRAI& 1AL. Press Statement No. -89'
14 May, 1973
ACCOMMODATION FOR SPECIAL MIGRANT CLASSES IN SCHOOLS
The Australian Government will provide funds under
the Child Migrant Education Program to help State and
independent schools provide emergency accommodation where
this is necessary to allow adequate special migrant instruction
to take place. This reverses a decision of the previous Government
to exclude the provision of accommodation from the Commonwealth
program. Cabinet today approved a submission from the Minister
for Education, Mr Beasley, and the Minister for Immigration,
Mr Grassby. These funds will be additional to those already being
provided to pay the salaries of the necessary additional
teachers and to purchase special language teaching equipment
for this program.
A recent survey in schools of high migrant density in
Melbourne revealed serious inadequacies in the conditions under
which some migrant children are receiving special English
instruction and which are precluding a substantial proportion
from receiving any special instruction at: all. Only 20 per cent
of migrant children who needed special language instruction
were getting it. Lack of suitable accommodation was identified
as a major deficiency.
The additional funds for accommodation purposes will be
provided over the two year period 1973/ 74 and 1974/ 75. The
Government will then review the position.
Consultations will be arranged without delay with State
and independent school authorities to define their needs in detail.