Senator Stephens addresses Sandhurst leaders conference

The , Ursula Stephens, today highlighted the important role Catholic education plays in helping instil in young Australians the values of social justice and helping them participate fully in a better and fairer society.

Addressing the Sandhurst Catholic Education office leadership gathering in Victoria, Senator Stephens thanked Catholic educators for their commitment to deliver education to young Australians that supports the Australian Government’s priorities for both social inclusion and education agendas.

“The Government, with support from the wider community, is working to ensure that all Australians have the opportunities, resources, capabilities and responsibilities to learn, work, connect with others, to have a voice in their community, and to have that voice heard,” Senator Stephens said.

“It is not difficult to see that the Catholic education system, through promoting social justice and educating students on the importance of respecting and safeguarding the common good, is working to achieve parallel outcomes.”

Senator Stephens highlighted the aims of the Government’s social inclusion agenda and the education revolution.

“We are giving each child the best possible start in life and continually improving our education systems to lift outcomes for all students,” she said.

“The aim is to ensure everyone has the chance to reach their potential.”

Senator Stephens was addressing the gathering of Sandhurst leaders in Bendigo in the lead-up to Victorian Catholic Education Week (CEW) which will be held from 13 to 19 March.

For more information on the Government’s social inclusion agenda, visit the the Government’s Social Inclusion website.