Media Release by The Hon Mal Brough MP

Educational and Home Ownership Opportunities for Tiwi Islands

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Education Science and Training

A secondary boarding school will be built on the Tiwi Islands as part of an historic deal to open the door for home ownership on Aboriginal land.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough – visiting the Tiwi Islands today – signed a Heads Of Agreement committing the traditional owners and the Federal Government to settle an agreement by the end of the year to allow for home ownership and commercial business development over the township of Nguiu.

"This agreement will be the first in Australia," Mr Brough said.

"These people know what they are doing and know where they are going and I expect other communities will follow their lead."

Minister for Education Science and Training, Julie Bishop, said, "I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government has agreed to provide a further $10 million contribution toward the construction of a new community-managed boarding college on the Tiwi Islands."

The Tiwi Islands are contributing their own money and will ensure good school attendance as part of a shared responsibility agreement.

Mr Brough and Ms Bishop commended the Tiwi Land Council for its contribution of land and facilities and an annual $250,000 commitment towards the ongoing costs of the College.