Scrymgour's Bad Language

Abstract

As Marion Scrymgour is farewelled from NT politics, many remain angry about the effect of her policies on Indigenous language and bilingual education, writes Greg Dickson In 1972 Kim Beazley Senior, then the Federal Minister for Education, played a key role in introducing bilingual education to the Northern Territory — an innovative educational strategy using Indigenous languages alongside English to teach the school curriculum. In 2008, after 34 years, bilingual education was abandoned by the NT's Minister for Education, Marion Scrymgour. This week, Scrymgour announced her departure from politics, presenting an opportunity to reflect on the legacy she leaves for Indigenous languages and education in the Northern Territory.