Funding awarded for First Nations research projects
- Two researchers at leading Queensland universities will share $167,000 in funding.
- The Education Horizon Grants are specifically targeted at improving education outcomes for First Nations students.
- Research results are expected in June 2026.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered $167,000 in funding for research aimed at improving school attendance and achievements for First Nations students.
Researchers from the University of Sunshine Coast and Queensland University of Technology received the special round of the Education Horizon grants.
The two projects will identify and evaluate the influential factors associated with boosting school attendance and achievements.
The projects include:
- Adopting a Dadirri Mindset to Build Educational Success for First Nations Young People led by Dr Sharon Louth, University of the Sunshine Coast.
- Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students influenced by curriculum and community engagement, led by Dr Bridget Hughes, Queensland University of Technology.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek congratulated the successful recipients and highlighted the importance of their projects.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to lifting education standards and focusing on the basics such as improvements in literacy and maths," Minister Langbroek said.
"If we want to see real improvements, we need to have all students in the classroom and this research will identify the best ways to achieve this.
"By backing these research projects, we're making real strides in understanding where more support is needed and how we can adapt the current system to help all students.
"Under the watch of the former Labor Government, attendance rates and results were allowed to decline, but we're taking action to turn the tables and improve outcomes – particularly for Indigenous students."
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government was focused on ensuring all Queensland students had every opportunity to succeed and thrive.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples are disproportionally affected by lower levels of reading, writing, numerary and have lower school attendance and school completion rates than non-Indigenous Queenslanders," Minister Simpson said.
"We don't want young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to be left behind and we are committed to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to fully engage and participate in all areas of life.
"I am looking forward to seeing the outcome of these research projects, to help close the gap on educational engagement and outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth."
