In short:
Victoria is investing $6 million in expanding Aboriginal perspectives and language programs in schools, prompting questions after the state rejected the Voice and did not vote on Treaty laws. The focus on “self-determination” is also causing confusion, with many unsure how it fits within a unified national education system.
Grants to Put Aboriginal Perspectives in Schools
The Allan Government is directing $6 million into new grants that expand “Aboriginal perspectives” and language programs in Victorian schools — a move drawing scrutiny because it follows recently passed Treaty laws that were not put to a statewide vote, and comes after Victorians rejected the Voice referendum in 2023.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll says the funding will support Registered Aboriginal Parties to design curriculum and language content for schools to adopt.
The government argues this will improve outcomes for First Nations students, but parents and educators are questioning how far these cultural frameworks should extend into mainstream classrooms and what level of consultation — if any — occurred.
The package is tied to the government’s broader investment of more than $51 million in First Nations education. This includes expanding the Koorie Literacy and Numeracy Program, with an extra $18.5 million committed through the 2025/26 Budget.
A key point of confusion is the government’s emphasis on “self-determination” within the school system. Critics say it is unclear how self-determination functions inside a unified national education framework, and what the practical implications are for curriculum standards, oversight and student experience.
Supporters say the initiatives revitalise Aboriginal languages and strengthen cultural safety. Others argue the rapid shift raises questions about transparency, curriculum balance and the government’s direction on Treaty processes that many Victorians feel they did not endorse.
Ben Carroll said the grants “help schools embed Aboriginal perspectives in the curriculum” and that these changes “benefit all students” and support language revitalisation.
