This seminar explores the evolution of Indigenous education policy in Australia, tracing out prominent themes and strategies and highlighting the tensions that have always existed in government attempts to serve the varying educational needs and aspirations of Indigenous people. Specifically, the seminar explores the tensions between an educational policy conservatism that has (re)arisen--not merely by coincidence--with increasing global economic competition and uncertainty, and what appears to be a continuing progressive urge to pass at least some policy responsibility to Indigenous communities and leaders.

Jerry Schwab is a Fellow at CAEPR, ANU.