Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare has committed to ongoing collaboration with school principals through a national reference group that will become a regular part of his engagement with the profession.
Minister Clare convened a roundtable with the nation’s peak principal associations on 28 June 2024 to discuss ways the Australian Government can further support school leader and principal wellbeing and efficacy.
In a demonstration of solidarity, the peak associations presented jointly developed proposals for research and professional support mechanisms to retain and sustain school leaders, and for ongoing engagement on national education policy.
The roundtable was attended by leaders of the Australian Secondary Principals Association (ASPA), the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA), the Australian Government Primary Principals Association (AGPPA), the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Association (NATSIPA), the Australian Special Education Principals Association (ASEPA), the Australian Catholic Primary Principals Association (ACPPA), the Catholic Secondary Principals Association (CASPA), the Independent Primary Schools Heads of Australia (IPSHA) and the Association of Heads of Independent Schools Australia (AHISA) on 28 June in Sydney.
ASPA President Mr Andy Mison said Minister Clare committed to ongoing collaboration with the nine associations through a national reference group that will become a regular part of his engagement with the profession, ensuring the voice of the nation’s principals is heard on national education policy.
Mr Mison said Minister Clare’s receptive approach and genuine understanding of the challenges faced by school leaders from all sectors was welcomed.
“This signals a new partnership between policymakers and those on the front lines of education,” Mr Mison said.
“Formalising a national principals’ reference group is a significant achievement, providing school leaders a direct and ongoing opportunity to contribute to national policy.”
When principals are supported and involved in the design of school policy, everyone benefits, Mr Mison said.
“This collaborative approach will support initiatives, contribute to a fulfilling environment for teachers, and better outcomes for students.”
Mr Mison commended Minister Clare for his leadership and commitment to partnering with school leaders for a stronger, fairer, and more effective education system.
