The Malinauskas Labor Government has pledged $4 million in funding for South Australia’s community language schools if re-elected next year, reaffirming its support for preserving culture, heritage and bilingual education.
The four-year commitment, announced on Tuesday, would continue Labor’s previous investment in the sector, which began in 2022 and marked the largest single funding package in Multicultural Affairs at the time.
Community language schools, which operate after hours and are open to students of all cultural backgrounds, play a vital role in teaching heritage languages and fostering cultural awareness. There are currently 93 accredited schools in South Australia, teaching 48 languages to more than 9,000 students.
Under the new $4 million package, funding would support host school premises in both government and non-government sectors, strengthen Community Language Learning Hubs catering to 950 students across 16 languages, provide pathways for senior secondary language study, and invest in training and support for community school leaders.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison described the schools as “a vital asset to our community.”
“Nearly 25 per cent of South Australians speak a language other than English at home, up from 15 per cent two decades ago,” she said. “Young people should be proud of their identity and grow up respecting the differences between us, as well as the many values we share.”
Bettison said the program offered more than just language learning, highlighting its role in building empathy, cultural awareness and future leadership.
“Multilingual young people are future leaders not just of their own communities, but of Australian businesses, governments and society,” she said.
The government will continue to work closely with Community Language Schools SA (CLSSA) to deliver the funding, which it says will ensure thousands of students can access quality language education while staying connected to their heritage.
