Through this Program, the Australian Government provides funds to state and territory non-government education authorities to assist with the cost of delivering intensive English language tuition to eligible, newly arrived migrant students in Catholic and independent primary and secondary schools.
The Program enhances the educational opportunities and outcomes for students whose proficiency in the English language is determined, at the local level, to require intensive assistance to enable them to participate fully in mainstream classroom activities.
From 1 January 2009, Australian Government funding to the states and territories for government schools will be provided through the National Education Agreement (NEA).
As state and territory governments are responsible for managing their schools and prioritising funding allocations (including ESL resources), all queries regarding the government school sector, should be directed to the relevant state or territory education department. Links to these state and territory education departments are provided under contacts.