The National Principal Reference Group has again met with Minister for Education Jason Clare, in Sydney on 22 November 2024.
Mr Andy Mison, President and Executive Director of the Australian Secondary Principals’ Association (ASPA), welcomed the second meeting.
“ASPA has long advocated for a unified national voice representing school leaders and their communities,” Mr Mison said.
“We’re incredibly proud of the role ASPA has played in helping to establish this vital group, bringing together the collective wisdom and experience of principals from across the country. It’s a significant step forward, and we’re optimistic about the potential for positive change from this collaboration.”
The Reference Group comprises the nine national peak principal associations, representing principals and school leaders across all school sectors and levels of education in Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander principals and principals working in special education.
Earlier this year, Mr Clare convened a roundtable with the Reference Group on 28 June 2024 to discuss ways the Australian Government can further support school leader and principal wellbeing and efficacy.
At its second meeting with Mr Clare in November, the Reference Group discussed a range of issues including implementation and support for the reform directions in the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan and teacher registration issues.
Mr Mison said a strong focus of the meeting was on ways to better support principal and school leader wellbeing and efficacy.
He said there was broad recognition of the challenges facing principals and school leaders, including high workloads, teacher shortages and increasing levels of violence and abuse. Mr Clare committed to work with principal associations and sector stakeholders on potential new measures proposed by the group.
“While this initial meeting is a promising start, we recognise that ongoing commitment and action are vital. The nine associations comprising the group has sent a follow-up letter to Minister Clare outlining key election commitments we believe are essential to support the wellbeing and efficacy of principals,” Mr Mison said.
“This includes supporting research and implementing practical measures to address the challenges they face. ASPA remains committed to working constructively with all stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes for our students and communities.”
