Does the Declaration mean that Indigenous people can set up separate education systems?
No. All Australian schools must be registered and comply with standards and conditions set by the laws and policies of Australian States and Territories. State and Territory laws also apply to compulsory school ages, and according to the laws of each jurisdiction, they are enforceable regardless of race or culture. It is within these parameters that the Declaration operates. At Article 14 the Declaration states that Indigenous people have the right to their own schools where Indigenous students are instructed in their own languages and taught their own cultures. The few Bilingual schools that currently operate in Australia comply with the laws and regulations of governments while ensuring that Indigenous students can exercise their rights to learn their languages and culture.
