About SAAETCC
About SAAETCC
The South Australian Aboriginal Education and Training Consultative Council is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that gives voice and advocacy for Aboriginal people in education and training.
SAAETCC works to support improved educational opportunities and achievements of Aboriginal people in South Australia.
The Council is comprised of an elected board of members who represent regions or education sectors in South Australia.
The SAAETCC Board meets quarterly to discuss emerging trends in Aboriginal education and training at a state and national level.
Strategic Advice
SAAETCC is responsible for developing and providing high quality advice to:
- Commonwealth and State Ministers for Education
- Chief Executive, South Australian Department of Education
- Chief Executive, Office for Early Childhood Development
Our Vision
A South Australian education and training system where Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities are recognised, respected, empowered, and fully involved and where Aboriginal cultures, languages, knowledge systems, and histories are celebrated as a central part of learning for all.
Our History
The South Australian Aboriginal Education Training Consultative Committee (SAAETCC), originally established in 1975 as the South Australian Aboriginal Education Consultative Committee (SAAECC), was created to ensure that Aboriginal children, families, and communities had a strong voice in shaping education policies across the state. The committee emerged at a pivotal time when Aboriginal communities were actively advocating for local decision-making, cultural recognition, and meaningful participation in the education system.
The 1983 policy highlighted the need for Aboriginal people to be involved at every stage of educational planning from curriculum development, classroom practice, resource creation, and teacher training through to community engagement. It recognised that Aboriginal children learn best when their cultures, languages, identities, and community contexts are respected and valued.
Over time, SAAECC evolved to become SAAETCC, reflecting an expanded focus on both education and training, and strengthening its role in advocating for opportunities across early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational, and adult learning pathways.
The committee remains committed to the belief, expressed in the original policy, that education and training are essential tools for self-determination. SAAETCC works to ensure that all Aboriginal learners in South Australia can achieve success while maintaining their culture, identity, and community connections.
Timeline
1975: Committee Established — The South Australian Aboriginal Education Consultative Committee (SAAECC) is formed to ensure Aboriginal people have a voice in shaping education policy and practice.
1983: First Aboriginal Education Policy — SAAECC releases its foundational policy, emphasising Aboriginal community involvement, cultural accuracy, and improved outcomes for Aboriginal learners.
Early 2000’s: Transition to SAAETCC — The committee expands its focus to include training and vocational pathways, becoming the South Australian Aboriginal Education & Training Consultative Committee (SAAETCC).
2000’s-2010’s: Ongoing Influence — SAAETCC advises on curriculum, cultural competence, community partnerships, and strategies to support Aboriginal student success.
2020’s: Strengthening Voice & Self-Determination — SAAETCC continues to advocate for culturally safe, inclusive education and training systems where Aboriginal children, families, and communities are empowered and fully involved.