THE Minns Labor Government has slashed the number of permanent teacher vacancies by 61 per cent, ensuring thousands more NSW public school students are receiving a quality and consistent public education.
Penrith MP Karen McKeown OAM said the news is even better locally; with a 73 per cent drop in vacancies across Penrith.
“While there’s still more to do, this significant drop in vacancies has brought the number of permanent teacher vacancies to the lowest level in four years,” Mrs McKeown said.
“This progress follows the Minns Labor Government’s decision to scrap the unfair wages cap that held teacher salaries back and devalued the profession for more than a decade.
“The Department of Education has also ramped up efforts to provide dedicated support to schools facing recruitments challenges. From this year, every NSW public school principal has been supported by a dedicated Recruitment Officer who will be a first point of contact and work closely with them to manage all recruitment in the school.
“Over the past 12 months, 6,398 permanent teachers have been appointed, while resignation and retirement rates have declined —pointing to better retention and a stabilising workforce. While there is more work to do, the reduction in vacancies is a demonstration of the commitment to rebuild public education, value the teaching profession and lift student outcomes.
“While this work is ongoing, it is already delivering results and has included: • Delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to all of NSW’s public school teachers. • Making over 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent. • Banning mobile phones in all public schools, minimising classroom distractions. • Addressing workload by allowing additional time to roll out a new curriculum, improving mandatory training and professional learning requirements, providing access to AI assistance, providing additional administrative support in schools.
“A 73 per cent drop in teacher vacancies in Penrith is not just a statistic, it means more stability in the classroom, and better learning outcomes for our kids. When our schools have the teachers they need, our children have the opportunities they deserve. Our teachers are the heart of public education, and this is real, tangible progress for Penrith families”.
