Committee activities (inquiries and reports)

Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities

Terms of Reference

The Committee will inquire into and report on Indigenous languages in Australia, with a particular focus on:

• The benefits of giving attention and recognition to Indigenous languages
• The contribution of Indigenous languages to Closing the Gap and strengthening Indigenous identity and culture
• The potential benefits of including Indigenous languages in early education
• Measures to improve education outcomes in those Indigenous communities where English is a second language
• The educational and vocational benefits of ensuring English language competency amongst Indigenous communities
• Measures to improve Indigenous language interpreting and translating services
• The effectiveness of current maintenance and revitalisation programs for Indigenous languages, and
• The effectiveness of the Commonwealth Government Indigenous languages policy in delivering its objectives and relevant policies of other Australian governments.

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