[lg policy] Australia: Asian language plan 'to cost $1bn'

[Harold Schiffman]

Asian language plan 'to cost $1bn'
May 12, 2012

TONY Abbott's plan to boost dramatically the study of Asian languages
in Australian schools would cost $1 billion to implement, according to
a leading Asian languages educator. On Thursday night Mr Abbott said
one of his key priorities, if elected, would be to increase the number
of high school students studying foreign languages - particularly
Asian languages - to 40 per cent within a decade.

The National Asian Languages and Studies in Australian Schools
Strategy was scrapped in 2002 by the Howard government  Asialink and
Asia Education Foundation executive director Kathe Kirby said based on
that program's costs, Mr Abbott's policy would cost about $100 million
a year, over 10 years.

Schools Education Minister Peter Garrett dismissed Mr Abbott's policy,
calling it ''rehashed announcement'' from the 2010 election.Ms Kirby
said it was reassuring to see bipartisan support emerging for Asian
languages, saying children beginning school in 2012 would enter the
workforce at a time where China and India will dominate.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/asian-language-plan-to-cost-1bn-20120511-1yifj.html#ixzz1ufoLmpWj



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