A pilot incentive package to attract teachers for hard-to-staff schools has been developed by the Tasmanian Government, delivering on its 100-day Plan commitment.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the Tasmanian Government is the strongest supporter of the state’s education system.
“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are ensuring all schools have the high-quality teachers they need,” Ms Palmer said.
“We know there is a national shortage of teachers and Tasmania is not immune to this issue. Our remote and regional areas can often face challenges when recruiting, which is why we already offer financial incentives for teachers who commit to working in isolated schools including Cape Barren Island, King Island District High School, Redpa Primary School and Zeehan Primary School.”
Ms Palmer said the Tasmanian Government has now developed a program focussed on attracting teachers to hard-to-staff schools that includes two incentive payments for staff who commit to working at the identified school for a minimum of one year.
“The first payment of $1,000 will be paid six weeks into Term I and the second payment of $2,275 six weeks into Term 3, with the option for renewal for up to four years,” she said.
This model takes into account, but does not compete with, existing incentives for isolated schools.
In accordance with State Service Industrial Agreements, negotiations are now formally commencing with the Australian Education Union, with the aim of having the new model in place for the beginning of the 2025 school year.
Negotiations with the Australian Education Union on the proposed incentive program will begin shortly.
“I look forward to an agreement being finalised so we can assist all schools to meet the learning and wellbeing needs of students,” Ms Palmer said.
Once finalised and approved by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission, the incentive program will begin in Term 1, 2025, for a period of 12 months.
“As part of the Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are also investing in a $188 million School Build Blitz, extending structured literacy, and upgrading and building homes for teachers in rural and remote communities,” Ms Palmer said.
Mr Mat Grining, President of the Tasmanian Principals Association (TPA), said his cohort know first-hand the difficulties that principals and school communities face in carrying teaching vacancies that they are struggling to fill.
“These challenges are no longer limited to just our remote or isolated schools and the TPA welcomes the announcement of new incentives for our particularly hard to staff schools,” Mr Grining said.
“We are right behind the proposed pilot program and look forward to consulting with our members on the detail and on further steps to recruit, sustain and retain our workforce.
“We are hopeful that getting this in place for 2025 will make a real and practical difference to addressing our school teaching needs,” he said.
To find out more about the current incentives on offer to teachers in regional Tasmania, visit DECYP’s website.
