Released 30/08/2021
The ACT Government will establish a taskforce with the Australian Education Union to help address teacher shortages to ensure that our public education system can continue to provide a world class education for Canberra families.
We are facing a nation-wide teacher shortage in Australia.
A recent survey conducted by the AEU ACT Branch confirms what we already know, which is that this national teacher shortage is having an impact locally.
This survey captures the experiences of teachers in Canberra. Their stories will lead and inform the work of the new Taskforce. The AEU does a great job advocating for the teaching profession here in Canberra and around the country.
In the context of COVID-19, our teachers are working harder than ever, under extraordinary circumstances, to make sure our children continue to have the best possible learning experiences.
The ACT Government has been working with the AEU to tackle some of the issues raised in this report. We've introduced some new strategies to help with workforce shortages, including a dedicated staffing hotline and more centralised management of the relief teacher pool. Work is also underway on a national and international recruitment campaign, to attract teachers to ACT public schools.
The Taskforce, which will include representatives from the AEU and the Education Directorate, will meet for the first time next week. They will work with universities, the Teacher Quality Institute, and relevant experts.
Understanding the whole school context and all the professionals who contribute to public schools will be an important consideration in the work of the Taskforce. I acknowledge the important contribution of all school staff including allied health professionals, psychologists, learning support assistants, administrative staff, as well as our cleaning and maintenance teams.
Thank you to all teachers and school staff. The work you do every day makes a significant difference for your students, their families, and their communities. The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that ACT public schools are great places to learn and great places to work, and I am looking forward to this opportunity to work with the AEU to learn from the experiences of teachers.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases