The Coalition has slammed the Albanese government’s head in the sand approach to civics education following the release of a damming report by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
Shadow Education Minister Senator Sarah Henderson said the National Assessment Program sample Civics and Citizenship (NAP–CC) Report 2024 was another example of how our education system is failing young Australians under the Albanese government.
“Alarmingly, only four in 10 year six students meet the proficiency standard in civics and citizenship,” Senator Henderson said.
“By the time young people are in year 10 – it is even worse – with less than three in 10 students meeting the proficiency standard.
“It follows the latest Lowy Institute survey which found that 36 per cent of our young people (aged 18-29) do not believe democracy is the best form of government or are indifferent to it.
“We need a knowledge-rich curriculum which prioritises literacy and numeracy and other fundamentals such as a deeper knowledge of civics and citizenship,” Senator Henderson said.
An inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters into civics education recommended a mandatory civics curriculum be included as part of the Australian curriculum.
“Teachers must have the training and curriculum resources to ensure students learn the value of our democracy,” Senator Henderson said.
“Young Australians must understand the democratic principles which underpin our nation which is why civics education is so important.”
Labor’s ten year school funding and reform agreement fails to address the challenges with civics education and other deficiencies with the national curriculum which is not fit for purpose.
Last year, the government’s own research body – the Australian Education Research Organisation – called for a knowledge-rich curriculum to “explicitly outline the essential knowledge and related skills that should be taught”, but Labor has refused to listen.
“Only a Dutton Government will lead the necessary reforms to ensure classrooms are places of education not indoctrination,” Senator Henderson said.
“Getting back to the basics in education is part of our plan to get the country back on track.”