The federal government has announced it will fund Aboriginal organisations to boost First Nations literacy in far north Queensland and the Torres Strait.
Gur A Baradharaw Kod (GBK) Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation branches on Thursday Island, Saibai Island, Mer Island, Poruma Island and Badu Island have received funding under the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) First Nations program.
The program was set up by the government to give Australians the core literacy, numeracy and digital skills to secure jobs.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles unveiled a new stream of the SEE program on Wednesday, which provides grants to First Nations community-controlled organisations so they can partner directly with training providers.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said foundation skills were essential to Closing the Gap by removing barriers to accessing employment, education and training for First Nations people.
"Thanks to the Albanese government's investment, First Nations people across Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait will benefit from place-based projects that meet local language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy training needs," she said.
"Supporting communities to access training designed specifically for First Nations people improves job readiness and creates pathways to opportunities that lead to positive life outcomes."
It's estimated that 40 per cent of First Nations adults are functionally illiterate in English. That number rises as high as 70 per cent for Indigenous adults in remote communities.
GBK chair Ned David said his organisation was committed to empowering First Nations communities by ensuring access to quality education and upskilling.
"Through the SEE First Nations program, we are strengthening pathways for our people to develop core literacy, numeracy, and digital skills—building brighter futures and stronger communities across the region," he said.
Mr Giles said the federal government was removing barriers to accessing life-changing education and training for First Nations Australians.
"The Albanese government is committed to ensuring no Australian is left behind, or held back," he said.
"We are working to close the gap, by removing barriers to accessing life-changing education and training for First Nations Australians."
"First Nations Australians are disproportionally affected by low levels of reading, writing, numeracy and digital skills so the SEE program has set the foundation for helping Australians secure good, valuable jobs, no matter where they live."
The SEE First Nations program is expected to support up to 2,000 Indigenous people per year by 2026-27.
