The Australian Secondary Principals’ Association (ASPA) National Education Summit has provided a clear roadmap for education reform, writes President Andy Mison.
The 2025 ASPA National Education Summit at Parliament House in Canberra on 25 March was a resounding success, uniting school leaders, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives to address the critical challenges facing Australian education.
Held against the backdrop of growing complexity in the education landscape, the summit reinforced the importance of collaboration and long-term strategic thinking.
Attendees heard addresses from key policymakers, including the Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson, and Greens Education Spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne. The bipartisan participation underscored the significance of education reform as a national priority in the lead-up to the federal election.
The summit provided a platform for ASPA to advance its key policy priorities, which focus on creating a fairer, more sustainable, and inclusive education system. These priorities have been shaped into a comprehensive policy agenda, designed to ensure that education reforms serve every Australian student equitably, while also addressing systemic challenges for school leaders and teachers.
A unified call for principal wellbeing and leadership support
One of the most critical themes of the summit was the urgent need for supporting principal wellbeing and leadership sustainability. ASPA reiterated its call for a nationally funded strategy to address the increasing stress and burnout faced by principals. The demands of the modern principalship, combined with unrealistic expectations regarding availability and administrative workloads, have made the role increasingly unsustainable.
ASPA advocates for:
- Reduced administrative burdens through efficient systems, digitised processes, and fit-for-purpose staffing arrangements.
- A dedicated mental health strategy for principals, including stress management training, counselling services, and peer support networks.
- Professional supervision programs similar to those in other frontline service professions, tailored to the contextual needs of school leaders.
- Funded sabbatical options and mentoring to support both early-career and experienced principals.
The summit highlighted the need for clear boundaries and communication protocols to prevent burnout, alongside increased autonomy for principals in managing school environments, including the authority to ensure safety by restricting access for individuals exhibiting unsafe or violent behaviour.
Equitable and transparent school funding
In the lead up to the Federal Election, ASPA reinforced its call for full and transparent funding of all schools to 100% of the School Resourcing Standard (SRS) much sooner than the proposed 10-year timeline. This standard ensures that every student, regardless of their school’s location or demographic profile, has access to the resources necessary for a high-quality education.
ASPA’s key funding priorities include:
- Revisiting Student Resource Allocation methodologies to empower school leaders to make resource decisions tailored to their students’ needs.
- A comprehensive review of ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) to better capture and respond to concentrated disadvantage, ensuring schools with high-need student populations receive appropriate support.
- Establishing a national school infrastructure fund, prioritising schools facing the greatest infrastructure deficits and ensuring reliable access to high-speed internet for all.
ASPA also called for transparent reporting across all school sectors, ensuring funding practices are equitable and accountable. A renewed focus on equity is vital as the education community works to address the growing concentration of disadvantage in some schools and regions.
Addressing teacher shortages and elevating the profession
The teacher shortage remains one of the most pressing challenges in Australian education, and ASPA’s policy agenda prioritises the elevation of the teaching profession to attract and retain high-quality educators.
Key strategies include:
- Competitive salaries and incentives, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
- Removing barriers for career changers and migrant teachers, including visa reforms and recognition of prior learning.
- HECS-free training for mature-age professionals entering teaching, ensuring they are financially supported while transitioning careers.
- Improved working conditions, reduced workloads, and greater access to professional learning opportunities for teachers and school leaders.
ASPA also stressed the importance of long-term education planning that transcends short-term political cycles. Bipartisan support is critical to creating a stable system that prioritises teacher wellbeing, professional growth, and equitable access to resources.
Curriculum pathways and inclusive education
In discussions on curriculum, ASPA emphasised the need for flexible secondary education pathways that cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of Australian students. Schools should be empowered to tailor their programs to meet local needs, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.
ASPA’s recommendations include:
- Expanding access to high-quality VET courses by simplifying qualification pathways for vocational teachers.
- Reviewing tertiary admissions processes to promote equity.
- Supporting inclusive education policies and ensuring equitable access to support services for students with disabilities and additional needs.
The summit also addressed growing concerns about student wellbeing, including mental health challenges and issues such as vaping. ASPA called for research and jurisdictional collaboration to address these issues holistically, recognising that schools cannot solve these challenges alone.
Collaboration and a unified education vision
A recurring theme of the summit was the need for collaboration and communication between all stakeholders in education, including school leaders, policymakers, and communities. ASPA advocates for the establishment of formalised policy networks in each jurisdiction to ensure meaningful consultation on education reforms.
ASPA also renewed its call for a National Teacher Registration Board to streamline registration processes, improve teacher mobility across states and territories, and enhance data-sharing mechanisms.
Looking ahead: building a stronger education system
The 2025 ASPA National Education Summit has set the stage for transformative change in Australian education. By fostering collaboration, addressing systemic inequities, and prioritising student and teacher wellbeing, the summit has charted a course for a fairer, more inclusive future.
ASPA’s policy positions provide a clear roadmap for education reform. These positions are not just about improving schools—they are about building a stronger, more equitable Australia.
ASPA extends its gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for making the summit a success. Together, we can ensure that every Australian student has access to the world-class education they deserve.
Visit www.aspa.asn.au for more information.
More reading: ‘Principals are at breaking point’: ASPA calls for urgent action following findings in ACU wellbeing survey
