Accelerating improvements to educational outcomes of First Nations learners is a key priority of the Australian Government. That’s why we’re developing a First Nations Education Policy.
Submissions for the new First Nations Education Policy are now closed.
Thank you to those who shared their views on what should be included in the First Nations Education Policy through the department's public submission process. To further inform the Policy, First Nations partner organisations are engaging with First Nations peoples across Australia in Term 1 2026. Further information will be available here soon.
For more information on the First Nations Education Policy please contact - FirstNationsEducationPolicy@education.gov.au.
The First Nations Education Policy will aim to:
- Shape the national aspirations for First Nations education, defining shared priorities and actions, and establishing how change will be implemented and evaluated
- Translate national commitments, such as the Mparntwe Education Declaration, Better and Fairer Schools Agreements 2025–2034 (BFSA), the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy, the Universities Accord, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, into tangible action
- Improve educational outcomes in early childhood, schooling, and post-school pathways, and
- Be flexible and adapt to different contexts, including state and territory education systems.
There will be a strong focus on collaboration and engagement throughout the Policy’s development to better understand the perspectives and aspirations of First Nations learners and communities in regional, remote, and metropolitan areas.
The Policy will be finalised in 2026.
What is the First Nations Education Policy?
The Policy aims to define the national aspirations and priorities for First Nations education and accelerate improvements to the outcomes and experiences of First Nations learners across Australia.
This begins in early childhood education and schooling and continues through to chosen pathways after school, such as vocational education and training, higher education, or employment.
