Joint media release
Shadow Minister for Education, Senator for Victoria, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson
Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Hon Jason Wood MP
At XinJinShan Chinese Language School with Kevin Hu, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson, Liberal candidate for Chisholm Katie Allen, Member for Menzies, Keith Wolahan MP.
An elected Dutton Coalition government will deliver a $25 million funding commitment to support Australia’s community language schools.
This commitment builds on the Coalition’s record in government when it invested $10 million in community language programs.
Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson confirmed the Coalition’s strong support for the more than 600 community language schools teaching 84 languages to over 90,000 students nationwide.
“Community language schools are a pillar of Australia’s multicultural success story,” Senator Henderson said.
“The Coalition values the contribution of these schools in promoting language learning, strengthening social cohesion, and equipping young Australians with the skills to succeed in an increasingly globalised economy.
Senator Henderson said community language schools play a vital role in helping young Australians connect with their heritage, strengthen cultural identity, and develop multilingual skills, which will enrich their personal and professional futures.
“Unlike Labor’s record of neglect, the Coalition has always championed Australia’s multicultural communities — recognising that our diversity is one of our greatest national strengths. With nearly half of all Australians born overseas or having a parent who was, programs like Community Language Schools are essential,” Mr Wood said.
“This commitment will help the next generation stay connected to their family histories, their mother tongue, their cultural identities, and the broader story of Australia’s multicultural success. The ability to speak a second or third language—especially those of our key regional partners—also opens doors in trade, diplomacy and business.”
The Coalition’s support of community language schools reflects their immense value to Australian families, communities and the broader economy.
Investing in our education system is part of the Coalition’s plan to get Australia back on track.