GREEK LANGUAGE CURRICULUM

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON (Croydon) (14:25): Will the Premier please advise the house of the terms of his pledge for the teaching of the Greek language in South Australian schools?

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:25): I think members opposite would know that I have had a very strong involvement with the Greek community for more than 30 years and I know that the member who asked the question is someone who has also been honoured for his commitment to the Greek community in this state over many years, not just during his time as, in my view, the best minister for multicultural affairs that this country has seen. He is also someone, of course, who rivals Al Grassby in terms of dress sense.

I am pleased to inform the house that I have today written to the federal education minister (Simon Crean) requesting that the Greek language be included in the new national curriculum. The member for West Torrens, the federal member for Hindmarsh and the state minister for education have all spoken to me about the issue and the importance of ensuring that Greek is included in the Australian curriculum.

The Greek diaspora of the post World War II years has had a lasting and significant impact on Australian culture. Our Greek communities are a vibrant and integral part of South Australia's heritage. Community leaders over more than a century have helped shape our multicultural community and way of life. Their contributions to all aspects of our society have been enormous. It is terrific that the first Greek origin minister in the history of this parliament now sits on the front bench.

From what I know of the Greek community in South Australia, most members consider themselves Australians with Greek heritage and the continuing speaking and teaching of the Greek language allows these people a link with their Hellenic heritage; a heritage, of course, that brought us democracy as well as many other aspects of philosophy that guide our values. I have urged the Australian government to include the Greek language in the national curriculum to ensure a continuation of these ties between the Australian and Greek communities. Last year, more than 4,500 students in South Australia were enrolled in Greek language programs.

We should continue to support the teaching of a language that is central to the lives of so many South Australians and central to philosophy and history. After all, we are not talking about introducing a new language; we are talking about the continuation of, and support for, a language that has a proven track record in South Australian schools. Schools will still be able to teach Greek, if it is not included as one of the languages in the Australian curriculum, using the Australian curriculum framework.

However, if the Greek language is not promoted through the national curriculum we stand to lose an important part of our national make-up and an opportunity for young people to be enriched. I should note that, while our schools will still be able to teach the Greek language, I am concerned that if it is not included in the national curriculum there is a risk that fewer young people will take on this language and we, as a community, would be poorer for it.

Not only will this have an effect on the number of students studying the language at primary and secondary schools but also within our tertiary sector and, in turn, the opportunities that creates in cultural, business and social activities in a global economy. The Hellenic culture has played a pivotal role in the development of western philosophies and literature. We should recognise the value of young Australians having the opportunity to learn this language as part of what is offered in a national curriculum. I am sure all members will join us in this campaign.