Community safety and education delivery the priorities for Aurukun

The Queensland Government is reviewing education delivery in Aurukun, as well as ensuring Police have the resources needed to protect the community as a principal and two teachers arrive in Aurukun today.

“I’m determined to ensure the Aurukun community is a safe community, where kids can get a quality education,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“Following my visit there on Friday, I have asked my Education Minister Kate Jones to conduct a comprehensive review of education delivery in the community.

“It’s crucial we get the model right to ensure these kids are properly educated and ready to contribute positively to the community.

“I expect that review to take two to three weeks. We want to make sure we get this right.

“A principal and two teachers will arrive in Aurukun today.

"They will support students to access distance education services until the school is reopened following community engagement.

“At the same time, I have asked my Director-General to stay in constant contact with the Queensland Police Service and closely monitor their needs.

“We will take the advice of the Police Commissioner. If more resources are needed they will be provided.”

The Premier said she had a positive meeting with Aurukun Mayor Dereck Walpo about the challenges the community faces.

“I said to Dereck that we’re in this together.

“When I met with the community last week, I gave them an undertaking that I would be guided by their ideas and opinions on positive ways to go forward.

“The issues in Aurukun are complex and it is vital that we listen to the community and work with the community to get the best outcome for the future.

“It's clear that there needs to be a focus on rebuilding community safety and security, improving school attendance and the engagement of young people as well as providing jobs and training opportunities.

“The involvement of the local community is absolutely essential. It’s now up to all of us to work together to make positive change.”