Educational disadvantage for blacks confirmed
By Marina Cameron
A study by the University of South Australia released on December 28 found that while the number of Aboriginal students enrolling in Australian universities increased by 48% between 1990 and 1995, this still amounted to only 6200 students last year, and six out of every 10 of these quit before the end of their first year.
The attrition rate for the rest of the population is around 24%. Attrition rates for women, migrants and those from low socio-economic backgrounds were also higher. Indigenous students cited financial problems and a lack of support as the major factors in their decisions to drop out.
Resistance national coordinator Sean Healy commented, "All those who argue that a user-pays system of education is fair and equitable, or that Aborigines receive privileged 'special treatment' in our society, should look at these figures.
"User-pays cuts people out at the first step into education and every step after that. For those who apply and get in, the struggle doesn't end there. Support services for Aboriginal students will be some of the first things to go as universities attempt to rationalise in the face of federal funding cuts. All students need to join the campaign this year against any further education cuts, for more student services and for increased income support."