Independent Schools Australia (ISA) and Association of Independent Schools of the Northern Territory (AISNT) today visited Tiwi College to highlight the diversity of Independent schools nationally, and the importance of protecting school choice for families in remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. ISA Chief Executive Officer Graham Catt said the visit was a timely reminder of what’s at stake in the federal election campaign.
“Tiwi College was built by and for the Tiwi people. It’s a culturally grounded, community-led school that’s delivering life-changing outcomes,” Mr Catt said.
“When people attack Independent schools, they often have a stereotype in mind — but schools like this are actually the reality. And unfortunately, they’re caught up in that rhetoric and it is students who pay the price.”
ISA’s national campaign, School Choice Counts, is calling on all political parties to commit to five key policy priorities, including the introduction of a Disadvantaged Student Safety Net to ensure stable and fair funding for schools educating students with the highest levels of need.
“This is one of our top priorities this election,” he said.
“It would make a direct impact in communities like this one — where schools are working hard to support students facing complex educational and social challenges.”
Of the 1,216 Independent schools across Australia, more than 200 specifically support vulnerable and disadvantaged students— including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students with disability, and those in Special Assistance Schools.
Tiwi College currently receives support under the Indigenous Boarding Providers Grants Program; a vital source of funding for Indigenous boarding schools across the country.
While the Albanese Government’s recent two-year extension of the program was welcomed, a long-term solution is essential.
“Whoever forms government after May 3 must commit to a permanent solution for Indigenous boarding funding,” Mr Catt said.
“These students and communities deserve certainty, not short-term fixes.”
Tiwi College Principal James Faraone said the school’s independence enables it to reflect the community’s values, but it also means carrying unique responsibilities.
“We’re proud to be an Independent school, but that means we manage everything ourselves, from power and water to housing for staff,” Mr Faraone said.
“Our long-term vision is to grow our own teacher workforce here on Tiwi land. But that will only happen with long-term government support.”
Executive Director of AISNT, Cheryl Salter, said Tiwi College was not an outlier.
“There are more than 200 Independent schools around Australia that support students with some of the highest levels of need,” Ms Salter said.
“Schools like this are not the exception — they are essential. This is not about privilege. It’s about opportunity. And these schools deserve policies that recognise and support the vital role they play.”
SCHOOL CHOICE COUNTS – FIVE KEY POLICY PRIORITIES
As part of the School Choice Counts campaign, ISA is calling for all political parties to commit to five key priorities:
1️ Protecting Family Choice – Guarantee stable, predictable funding that keeps school fees affordable.
2️ Ending the Blame Game – A commitment to cross-sector collaboration to address shared challenges.
3️ Supporting our most Vulnerable Students – Ensure fair and stable funding for students with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and those in Special Assistance Schools.
4️ Investing in Cross-Sector Innovation – Establish a $50 million fund to drive solutions in teacher retention, student wellbeing, and future-focused learning.
5️ Building Choice into the Future – Expand the Capital Grants Program to meet rising demand.
Download the full policy platform here: schoolchoicecounts.isa.edu.au/our-5-key-policy-priorities
About Independent Schools Australia
Independent Schools Australia (ISA) represents the national interests of the Independent school sector. ISA works closely with member associations to advocate for choice, diversity, and fair funding—ensuring that all Australian families have access to high-quality education that meets their children’s needs.