Minister for School Education Peter Garrett today announced Martin Butler and Bentley Dean as winners of the 2009 Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History, for their film documentaryContactwhich explores the first contact between Indigenous Australians and white settlers.

Contactis considered to be genuinely groundbreaking and innovative and it is intended to have a significant impact on our understanding of Australian history.

“Martin and Bentley will receive a tax free grant of $50,000 each for their outstanding work, which will significantly contribute to the understanding of our nation’s history,” Mr Garrett said.

“Contactwas one of 107 nominations, which shows the extent to which Australian history continues to inspire our talented writers, researchers and producers.”

Four further nominations were also shortlisted:The Colony, Drawing the Global Colour Line, First Australians composite entry and Travels in Atomic Sunshine: Australia and the Occupation of Japan.

Mr Garrett thanked the members of the prize’s Advisory Committee for their work on Australia’s pre-eminent award for excellence in this field.

“The prize is representative of the value that this Government places on the nation’s history being told in captivating ways,” Mr Garrett said.

“Ministers from around the country agreed last week to the content for the teaching of history as part of the Australian Curriculum and this is further evidence of our commitment to a world-class education that teaches history in a way that engages students.”

“A nationally consistent approach to history will help our kids develop the skills they need to contribute to our national economy, and importantly provides the personal and life skills they need to be active citizens and positive contributors to their local communities.”

Further information on the Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History is available at www.deewr.gov.au/australianhistoryprize