Hon Rod Caddies questions the Minister for Education regarding the Stars Foundation program for Indigenous students, specifically about student participation, funding, and alternative academic options. The response clarifies program management and funding allocation.

AnsweredQoN 1257Legislative Council
Asked
9 December 2025
Portfolio
Education

QuestionView source ↗

Stars Foundation—Classes
1257. Hon Rod Caddies to
the Leader of the House representing the
Minister for Education:
I refer to the Stars
Foundation program for Indigenous students running at some WA schools.
(1) Are students asked if they want to participate
in Stars classes?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) What was the total amount spent by the WA
Government on the Stars program in WA schools in the 2024–25 financial
year?
(4) Are students who do not wish to participate in
Stars classes allowed to choose other academic subjects instead?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank
the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following response
has been provided by the Minister for Education. I answer on behalf of the
Leader of the House.
(1) Aboriginal girls engagement programs are not
part of the mandatory Western Australian curriculum. Student participation in
the programs is managed at the school level.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) The department has contractual arrangements
with seven service providers delivering engagement programs for Aboriginal
girls and young women in WA public schools. They provide 14 programs that
support Aboriginal girls and young women to achieve their full learning
potential, shape their futures, and embrace their cultures, languages and
identities. Schools have the flexibility to choose from these programs,
allowing them to select a program that best meets the needs of their students,
school and local community. The Department of Education does not retain the
total amount centrally.
(4) Refer to (1).

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