2008 Annual Report

Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians

On 5 December 2008, State, Territory and Commonwealth Ministers of Education meeting as the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs, released the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians which sets the direction for Australian schooling for the next 10 years.

The Goals were developed by Education Ministers in collaboration with the Catholic and independent school sectors, following public consultation on the draft declaration.

The Melbourne Declaration supersedes The Adelaide Declaration that was released in 1999.

Improving educational outcomes for all young Australians is central to the nation’s social and economic prosperity and will position young people to live fulfi lling, productive and responsible lives.  Young Australians are therefore placed at the centre of the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals.  These goals are:

Goal 1:

Australian schooling promotes equity and excellence

Goal 2:

All young Australians become:

– successful learners

– confi dent and creative individuals

– active and informed citizens

Achieving these educational goals is the collective responsibility of governments, school sectors and individual schools as well as parents and carers, young Australians, families, other education and training providers, business and the broader community.