Indigenous history lessons ‘capitulation to the left’: Abbott

Tony Abbott has rejected a plan to teach more indigenous history in primary schools as a ‘capitulation to the left’.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has rejected indigenous history lessons unless they are accompanied by lessons on the rise of the West. Picture: AP

Tony Abbott says a Turnbull government plan to teach more indigenous history in primary schools would represent a “capitulation to the left” unless it was accompanied by British history and the rise of the West.

Mr Abbott has urged caution on a plan pushed by Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion for Aboriginal languages, phrases and customs to be taught in schools. The former prime minister said the lessons should not come at the expense of teaching about the rise of Western civilisation.

“Sure let’s teach Australia’s prehistory. It better include British history and the rise of Western civilisation as well as indigenous studies. Otherwise, it’s just another capitulation to the left,” he tweeted.

The comments signal that Senator Scullion’s proposal, which received indications of support from Labor MPs, could face opposition from some conservative Coalition MPs.

The Australian revealed on Wednesday the government had commissioned Melbourne University to devise resources to enhance teaching on pre-settlement indigenous history under the leadership of prominent indigenous academic Marcia Langton.

Senator Scullion hopes to present a draft of the teaching materials to the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority by March for initial feedback, and will speak with state and territory education ministers ­before the end of this year.

Yesterday, a government spokesman responded to Mr Abbott’s criticism, saying the changes would give teachers better resources and would enhance rather than overhaul the ­national curriculum.

“No one is proposing to change the Australian curriculum ... Anything that practically assists teachers to effectively improve student understanding of our history, including indigenous history, is a good thing,” he said.