Month: August 2024

Teacher vacancy numbers in NSW public schools have fallen to a three-year low under Labor as the Minns Labor Government works to address the teacher shortage, with 24 per cent fewer vacancies at the start of Term 3 than the same time last year.

The continuing improvement in teacher numbers comes alongside new data indicating resignations and retirements have dropped, as changes made by the Minns Labor Government stem the flow of teachers leaving NSW schools.

It follows a 20 per cent drop in teacher vacancies at the start of this year compared with the previous year, indicating a firm downward trend.

With teacher vacancies across the state’s 2,200 schools now numbering 1,698, there is more work to do to turn the shortage around – but it’s a 35 per cent drop in vacancies compared to the same time in 2022 when the Liberals and Nationals were in office, and the lowest number since 2021. 

At the height of the teacher shortage crisis under the former Liberal National government, vacancies rose above 3,000 and resignations outstripped retirements for the first time. Now, the rate of attrition is trending down for both as more teachers – including those with decades of experience – see the value of remaining in the profession.

The numbers also reflect the success of the Government’s election commitment to provide permanent roles to more than 16,000 temporary teachers and support staff, who were left with insecure work by the Liberals and Nationals.

Permanent teachers now make up 72 per cent of the teaching workforce, up from 64 per cent in 2022.

The Minns Government is pulling out all the stops to address the teacher workforce shortage, including by:

• Delivering NSW public school teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation.
• Improving teachers’ workload and conditions, including by making more than 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent.
• Attracting and retaining teachers through programs such as the Grow Your Own Teacher Training program, which supports aspiring teachers to study while working in a local public school, and the Teachers in the Field program, which supports regional, rural and remote schools to access teacher relief cover.
• Expanding the department’s Priority Recruitment Support model from 79 to more than 110 schools, including an additional 26 in regional, rural and remote areas, providing targeted support to fill vacancies.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said: 

“Labor was elected to rebuild essential services after a decade of neglect under the former Liberal National government, and while we still have much to do to turn around the teacher shortage, we have seen a sustained drop in vacancies since the start of this year.

“These further improved figures show the steps we are taking to address the teacher shortage crisis, ignored by the former Liberal National government, are making a difference.

“These include delivering a once-in-a-generation wage rise to NSW public school teachers, focussing on easing teacher workload, and improving student behaviour.

“The drop in resignations and retirements shows teachers are hearing that we value their work and are supporting them to focus on delivering quality teaching and learning.

“Having a qualified teacher at the front of every classroom is vital to delivering improved academic outcomes for our students.”

The NSW Government is today announcing a milestone in the $769 million commitment for 100 new public preschools across the state by 2027, with tenders for 85 of these vital early learning institutions to be released by the end of the year. 

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build better communities across NSW by investing in essential infrastructure, including a historic commitment to build the schools and preschools families rely on. 

At the same time, the NSW Government is announcing a Pattern Book will be released next month, to reduce costs and accelerate delivery timeframes for the NSW Government’s massive pipeline of new and upgraded schools across the state. 

100 preschools by 2027

The Minns Government’s commitment to build 100 new public preschools will allow up to 9,000 additional children to benefit from quality early childhood education in the year before school. 

The commitment to deliver the largest expansion of public preschools in NSW history by 2027 is on track as the Minns Government announces tenders to build 85 of these preschools will be released by the end of the year. 

These tenders are for preschools across both metropolitan and regional NSW. The first tranche of tenders, for preschools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, will be released next month. 

The release of tenders marks a significant step towards getting shovels into the ground and more children into free, public preschools. 

The Minns Government’s work to deliver 100 public preschools is in sharp contrast to the former Coalition Government, who after 12 years in Government managed to open just one additional public preschool. 

Pattern Book to fast-track school infrastructure delivery

A ‘Pattern Book’ has been developed to accelerate delivery and reduce costs as the Minns Labor Government continues work to deliver the vital education infrastructure communities need.

To be released next month, the Pattern Book will include detailed guidance to industry on consistent, repeatable designs for new schools and preschools builds, which will enable increased use of Modern Methods of Construction.

Examples of Modern Methods of Construction include prefabrication and off-site manufacturing.    

The Pattern Book will continue to be improved over the remainder of 2024 to reflect education and industry feedback. 

The development of this Pattern Book for schools follows the NSW Government using a Pattern Book approach to fast-track housing across the state. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Government is committed to building schools and preschools for communities that need them and since being elected, we have been working to rebuild public education in NSW.

“With this record pipeline of tenders and projects going to market, we are getting on with the job of delivering new schools and new facilities quicker. 

“We are seeking broad industry participation to enable school projects to be delivered more quickly and affordably, while minimising the impact on school communities during construction.

“Delivering our record investment in schools and preschools is part of the Minns Government commitment to the best start in life for every child.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to safeguard the future of regional communities and the state’s agriculture sector, with the election commitment to appoint an Independent Agriculture Commissioner to be delivered in full.  

Legislation will be introduced to NSW Parliament during the September sitting to establish a statutory office of the Agriculture Commissioner.

The Commissioner will provide dedicated oversight and advice to the Minister for Agriculture on issues relating to agriculture, land use, food security and agricultural productivity, supporting the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure regional communities continue to thrive.  

Over the past decade NSW farmers have faced, floods, bushfires, drought, multiple biosecurity incursions and the impacts of COVID19 on global supply chains. At the same time the growing impact of climate change means it is more vital than ever that Government receive independent, expert advice on policies and issues facing the state’s primary industries.  

The Minns Labor Government’s commitment to an Independent Agriculture Commissioner, was informed by strong advocacy from the state’s agriculture sector.

The Commissioner will undertake the following functions:

• provide advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations on issues relating to agriculture, agricultural productivity, land use and food security when requested by the Minister 
• monitor trends and issues relating to agriculture, land use and food security, and to identify opportunities to improve agricultural productivity 
• promote a coordinated and collaborative approach across all tiers of Government 
• engage experts and stakeholders in matters relating to the exercise of the Commissioner’s functions

Once legislation passes Parliament work will begin to appoint the new Commissioner, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. 

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said: 

“The Legislation will be an important milestone as the NSW Government continues its work to ensure our regional communities continue to thrive. 

“Farmers are the lifeblood of New South Wales, from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, and it is important there is an independent commissioner advising Government on how we can enhance farmers’ productivity. 

“The advice of the Commissioner to me will be used to inform evidence-based decisions on policy and programs that can best promote our agricultural sector.

“Thank you to the former Commissioner, Daryl Quinlivan, for his tireless work in this space and in outlining options for the independent commissioner role.”  

More than 145,000 NSW seniors have learnt how to sidestep scammers, access online government services, and connect with friends and family on Facebook thanks to the NSW Government’s Tech Savvy Seniors program.

A partnership between the NSW Government and Telstra, Tech Savvy Seniors is delivered free-of-charge in NSW public libraries and either free or at low cost through community colleges across the state.

The NSW Government invests $500,000 annually in the program with the latest round of funding to be awarded next month.

The digital literacy program is designed to help seniors develop the confidence they need to participate online, whether it’s sharpening smartphone skills, staying safe online, finessing their finances or bagging a bargain.

Training sessions are offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and are conducted in English, as well as a range of languages including Arabic, Burmese, Cantonese, Hindi, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Nepalese, Persian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

In addition, a culturally appropriate program, First Nations Computer Classes, has been rolled out to Aboriginal communities across NSW.

A key focus area in the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW Seniors Strategy: 2021-2031 is to help older people stay informed and build resilience to better navigate changes.

Tech Savvy Seniors is a key commitment under the strategy, providing seniors with the skills to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Our seniors grew up in an different time, when technology was not as ubiquitous. The shift to digital has opened up a world of convenience and connection and we don’t want seniors to be left behind.

“The NSW Government is committed to making sure people thrive in their senior years and continue to participate in the community. Nowadays, technology plays an important part by keeping them informed and connected.

“Tech Savvy Seniors has a proven track record of transforming technophobes into cyber smart citizens with simple step-by-step lessons which take the fear out of technology.”

Senior Mandy said:

“I used to be terrified of technology. Completing the Tech Savvy Seniors program taught me so many new skills and gave me the confidence I need with both the computer and smartphone.

“I have now gone back to TAFE and the program has given me the skills to be confident with my course work.

“More people should give it a go as it’s a great program to help you learn technology.”