Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student can now apply apply for help with their tertiary fees for 2014.

The Lambert McBride Perpetual Bursar, named after a passionate advocate for Indigenous social justice and recognition throughout the 1960s and 1970s, offers a one-off grant of $5,000 for students enrolled in second or third year studies at any Queensland tertiary institution.

The bursary was introduced by the Queensland Government to recognise the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Constitutional referendum, regarded by many as the first step in the reconciliation process in Australia. Mr McBride was active in the campaign supporting the Constitution changes.

David Kempton, Member for Cook and Assistant Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, said he welcomed the news of the bursary and encouraged Indigenous students to apply.

“The bursary will give successful applicants a wider range of opportunity to further their education,” Mr Kempton said.

“The Newman Government is committed to improving the career aspirations of Queensland’s young Indigenous people,” Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said.

“The Lambert McBride Perpetual Bursary remains a valuable part of that effort.

“Closing the Gap is a continuing priority and the Newman Government’s Solid partners Solid futures education strategy launched this year is an ambitious plan to address the significant gaps in outcomes that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders.

“Its emphasis is on supporting young Indigenous people from early childhood, through schooling and tertiary studies or training into employment.”

Students interested in further information about the Lambert McBride Perpetual Bursary should contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander unit of the university at which they are enrolled.

If there is no such unit at their university, enquiries should be directed to the equity/scholarship officer of the university.