Release type: Media Release

Date:

Scott Prince appointed Learn. Earn. Legend! Ambassador

Ministers:

Senator the Hon Mark Arbib
Minister for Employment Participation
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Government Service Delivery

Indigenous All Star Scott Prince will encourage young people to stay at school and give themselves a better chance of getting a good job in his new role as theLearn. Earn. Legend!Ambassador.

Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib announced the appointment of Prince as part of the Government’s $825,000 three-year partnership with the NRL, which will begin with this weekend’s Rugby League All Stars Match.

The NRL Indigenous All Stars will promote the messageLearn. Earn. Legend!at the inaugural Rugby League All Stars Match at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast on February 13.

“The Government’s goal, through the NRL Indigenous All Stars Team, is to encourage young Indigenous Australians to have a go, stay at school and ensure a pathway to employment,” Senator Arbib said.

“Scott Prince is one of the most exciting playmakers in the game and is a great role-model for young people.

“We know that the best thing all kids can do is get a good education, because the more education you have, whether that be finishing year 12, completing a TAFE qualification, an apprenticeship or a tertiary qualification, the more likely you are to get a good job.

“Scott understands that and will play a vital role in helping spread the message to young Indigenous people.”

The Gold Coast Titans halfback, who has represented both Queensland and Australia, said he was excited about his new role.

“I feel very honoured to be given the role of Ambassador for such a worthwhile program,” Scott Prince said today.

“It was my dream to play Rugby League that helped me stay in school and I am particularly passionate about this cause.

“I really hope that I can help motivate all kids, especially Indigenous Australians, to stay in school and get the education they need to follow their dreams.”

Senator Arbib said with almost 60 per cent of Indigenous Australians living in NSW or Queensland, rugby league was a great vehicle to reach Indigenous children and families.

“Rugby League brings Indigenous families together and the Indigenous All Stars will be sending out an important positive message to both children and parents,” he said.

“The players provide a powerful voice for their community and can play a strong role in helping the Australian Government directly engage with young, Indigenous Australians.”

The game will be played between the NRL Indigenous All Stars and the NRL All Stars and coincide with the second anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.

Senator Arbib said the Government funding was provided from the Indigenous Employment Program.

The Australian Government has committed $764 million over five years to the Indigenous Employment Program to strengthen Indigenous employment and business opportunities.

The NRL partnership will also include:

  • Publicising the Learn Earn Legend message at NRL All Stars matches through to 2012;
  • A careers market at the 2010 All Stars match;
  • An Indigenous Youth Summit in 2011 and 2012;
  • Access to the NRL “One Community” resources that concentrate on a healthy lifestyle, to complement the Australian Government’s Indigenous Education and Employment initiatives;
  • Developing Indigenous cultural events with an education and employment theme to be held in regional centres across NSW and Qld to coincide with future All Stars games in 2011 and 2012; and
  • A commitment from the NRL to work with the Government to develop further Indigenous employment and education initiatives.

“The NRL partnership is another example of the Australian Government working in innovative ways to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage in education and economic participation,” Senator Arbib said.