Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A., 1 West Street, West Perth WA. Printed by Vanguard Press, 26 John Street, Northbridge WA. February 2025.
Cover: Over a decade of campaigning pays off as WA public schools are set to receive full funding. Read more on pages 4-6 and see the photo spread on pages 16-17.
To access the digital copy of Western Teacher, visit: sstuwa.org.au/westernteacher
State Election Forum on Education
Major breakthrough on public school funding
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered an historic commitment for full funding of Australia’s public schools.
Australian Education Union (AEU) Federal President Correna Haythorpe said the AEU welcomed the announcement that the Commonwealth Government will lift their commitment to a full 25 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2034, with states expected to get rid of the four per cent accounting trick brought in by the Morrison Government in 2018.
The Albanese and Malinauskus Governments have signed the first heads of agreement under the new offer, providing $1 billion in additional funding for South Australian public schools.
The Prime Minister also announced an agreement has been signed with the Allan Government for Victorian public schools.
“This heralds a major breakthrough on full and fair funding negotiations for public schools,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“With the signing of these agreements, public schools in South Australia will see guaranteed funding increases every year, allowing them to employ more teachers, more education support staff and to provide more help for those students who need it.
“That is life-changing for students and for the teachers and support staff who give 100 per cent every day.
“Teachers, students and parents will finally see their public schools funded to the level needed for every child to reach their potential.”
AEUSA President Jennie Marie Gorman welcomed the announcement, and the
benefits it will bring to South Australian teachers and students.
“As a former principal, I know the realities facing schools everyday and I understand the value of what this funding deal will bring for schools across our state,” Ms Gorman said.
“For students who need support with their learning, for teachers who need resources to address escalating workloads and to provide high quality learning programs, this announcement will be welcome news indeed.”
AEUVIC President Justin Mullaly said the Victoria agreement will see teachers and students better resourced in public schools.
“Additional Commonwealth funding for Victorian public schools means dedicated and hardworking teachers, education support (ES) staff and principals will have more of the resources they need to better meet the learning and wellbeing needs of all students,” Mr Mullaly said.
“The commitment to increase funding means it will be easier to attract and retain school staff and better address teacher shortages.
“Public schools will be able to employ extra teachers and ES so that every student gets more of the individual support they need and that school staff workloads can be managed.”
This announcement ends the practice of states artificially inflating their SRS share by four per cent through the inclusion of non-school spending and sets a precedent that must be followed in new agreements in every state and the NT.
“[This] announcement provides all state
governments the opportunity to ensure that public schools are genuinely on the pathway to 100 per cent SRS funding. We urge all state governments to finish negotiations and deliver full funding for their public school communities,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“Further delay means that public schools will be denied the vital resources that they need to deliver high quality teaching and learning programs.
“We welcome South Australia and Victoria signing on to this historic agreement and look forward to the other states signing. We call on the states not to delay.
“Teachers know the importance of this funding and the need for it to be rolled out as quickly as possible because of the difference it will make in classrooms, and parents understand the importance of teachers being supported to do their jobs well.”
The AEU now calls on all political parties to support this full funding, for the future of Australian public schools.
“With a federal election looming, all political parties must back the Albanese Government’s offer in,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“Further, the Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton must give an iron clad guarantee to public school communities that he will honour all school funding bilateral agreements in full should he become Prime Minister in any future election.
“Australia’s students cannot afford further delays in negotiations. It is time to get the deals done so that public schools have certainty.”
Giving WA the education system it deserves
By Matt Jarman President
It may well be that we come to look back on 24 January 2025 as the most significant day in Australian public education – the day that over a decade of tireless campaigning by the Australian Education Union and the State School Teachers’ Union of WA finally paid off.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new funding deal that delivers 25 per cent of funding through the Commonwealth government, as long as states contribute 75 per cent.
Most significantly of all, the PM said this: “Importantly this new agreement means accounting practices like capital depreciation can no longer be counted as education investment. Instead, every dollar of funding will go into helping children learn.”
Read that quote and soak it in.
In January 2024 when WA entered a new agreement with the Commonwealth on funding it was declared that public schools would from then on be getting fully funded.
The SSTUWA continued to point out that such claims would be false as long as what used to be an additional four per cent in funding could still be counted as part of the state government’s contribution. It was an accounting trick played on WA’s public schools.
That numerical trickery is now a thing of the past.
The Premier of WA Roger Cook, on page 10 of this magazine, confirms that as a consequence of WA joining the new agreement announced by the Prime Minister, the state Labor government “will remove the Morrison Government provision that allowed the State to claim four per cent of public school funding for indirect school costs such as capital depreciation and replace it with four per cent of
recurrent funding on eligible expenses, while also maintaining our 75 per cent share of the SRS for public schools”.
Now that is full funding. That is Gonski.
The SSTUWA will be urging that the full funding plus the complete restoration of the four per cent is delivered at the earliest possible time, as befits the richest state in Australia, boasting the most successful economy.
Timing issues aside, we should not underestimate the significance of what has been achieved here.
As AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said in welcoming the new deal: “It is an absolute iron clad guarantee that our schools from now on will be receiving genuine funding every single year going forward.”
“It’s not contingent on an election, it’s not contingent on a commitment, but it upholds the Prime Minister’s election commitment that we would have a genuine pathway, and this agreement today has cemented that in.”
This announcement is a win for every SSTUWA member who has supported funding campaigns over the years since we first Gave a Gonski back in 2012, to those who backed the For Every Child campaign in 2024 – this is your triumph. It was all worthwhile.
Whether you came out to meet trucks and trailers carrying the full funding message, travelled to Canberra with us to talk to politicians, sent emails or postcards, joined social media campaigns or lobbied your state or federal MPs, every single one of you shares the credit for a crucial development in revitalising public education in Australia.
At the national level the work of Correna
and her team must be saluted. They have persevered when progress looked impossible.
They have never wavered in their campaigning. This is the result they deserve.
Here in WA, the SSTUWA commissioned the Facing the Facts review to bring public education to the fore in community and political discussions.
We asked Dr Carmen Lawrence and her team to not just identify issues but to suggest practical solutions.
This additional funding will be crucial in delivering those solutions.
The results have been astonishing with the Facing the Facts report being used as a blueprint for the future of public education in Western Australia.
It is a blueprint that is sorely needed. As most people were doing their last-minute Christmas shopping, or packing the car for a well-earned holiday, a report into the Department of Education (DoE) by the Agency Capability Review program was released.
In the words of The West Australian newspaper the review was “scathing” and “revealed a litany of serious problems in the agency”.
The consequences of those serious problems were also identified – 5,200 teachers leaving the workforce in just three years.
Resignations per year have more than doubled since 2019, going from 604 to 1,263.
Frighteningly, but sadly not surprisingly, 61.2 per cent of those quitting were aged under 30.
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At the other end of the scale retirements went up by 15 per cent between 2020 and 2023.
I would urge all teachers and school leaders to read the summary review –you can find a copy at bit.ly/40yGSi1
You may well get a sense of déjà vu as the findings are so close to those of the Facing the Facts review that they might well have been taken straight from the work of Dr Carmen Lawrence and her team.
The agency review findings highlight a range of issues, including the need for better strategies to address the evergrowing complex needs of students, tangible ways to address teacher workload, better cooperation across agencies and long-term solutions to the extra problems facing regional and remote educators.
The review also noted the failure to deal with the clear and obvious faults in the current Independent Public Schools system and a desperate need for more support for school leaders.
Yes, it is a list we are all familiar with.
Above all, the SSTUWA agrees with the
need for a cohesive and cooperatively developed long term strategy to address the sort of issues that have led to 5,200 educators leaving the system over the past three years.
Sadly, the simple fact is that the department’s speciality has been generating reports, commissioning reviews and running consultation processes, then doing precisely nothing with the findings.
Is this the view of a biased union? No. Here is a direct quote from the agency review: “The agency has commissioned and invested significant resources in a number of reviews in recent years to strengthen its capability and capacity.”
“However, because it has failed to embed many of the recommendations provided, it continues to encounter the challenges that these reviews were intended to address.
“The agency needs to actively consider implementing recommendations from these past reviews including the Statewide Services Form and Function Review and the Strategic Review of the WA Department of Education.”
Now, with new and genuine full funding
on the way, the SSTUWA is ready and committed to playing its part in developing a strategy.
Almost 18 months ago the Facing the Facts report said this in its forty-sixth and final recommendation: “To implement the recommendations suggested in this report a Change Management Steering Committee, led by the Director General and the President of the SSTUWA, should be established to develop an implementation plan, agreed milestones, a timeline and establish a resource approach.”
We have a new director general at the department. We have the opportunity for a fresh start, the chance to develop a new approach, one where cooperation, transparency and collaboration are central to recognising that a succession of reports, including Facing the Facts, the department’s own red tape review and now this agency review, cannot be ignored any longer.
Let’s start the process of working together to deliver WA the public education system that people want and deserve by listening to the real experts – our public school teachers and leaders.
Permanent fee-free TAFE legislation critical for Australia’s prosperity
In its submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry into the Free TAFE Bill, the AEU has outlined its strong support for the legislation, noting the commitment of the Albanese Government to ensure that TAFE, as the public provider, is at the heart of vocational education in Australia.
The passing of this legislation is vital to ensure Australia’s TAFE system does not go backwards when we have a Federal Opposition opposed to free vocational education through a public provider.
Demonstrating this ideological opposition, Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training Sussan Ley has said about fee free TAFE: “a key principle and tenet of the Liberal Party: if you don’t pay for something, you don’t value it” and called free TAFE a “flop”.
“Under the Albanese Government we have seen historic advances in the take up of TAFE after neglect of the public system for more than a decade under the Coalition Government. We can’t afford to go backwards,” AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said.
“The introduction of free TAFE has been life-changing for students as it has significantly reduced financial barriers
for students pursuing vocational education and provided the opportunity to investigate different career pathways, particularly in areas of extreme skill shortage. TAFE not only offers the best educational outcomes for students, it is the best value for money investment that governments could make into the VET sector.”
The AEU believes that the ongoing success of the free TAFE program depends on a skilled, sustainable and supported TAFE workforce, and that significant investment needs to be made to allow teachers to provide students with the best possible outcomes.
“Just as the introduction of free TAFE has been life-changing for students, it has been equally groundbreaking for staff,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“After more than a decade of neglect, the TAFE workforce now has greater stability and confidence in the future of the industry. However increased class sizes, excessive working hours, and a growing administrative burden – issues that the TAFE workforce was already struggling with over the past two decades of underfunding – need to be addressed for free TAFE to continue to be a success.
SSTUWA welcomes GROH boost
The SSTUWA has welcomed the Premier’s announcement on increased funding for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH).
“The shortage of modern, secure GROH in regional WA has long been identified by the union as a significant factor in deterring members from taking opportunities in country areas,” union president Matt Jarman said.
“This has applied across Western Australia.”
Mr Jarman referred to the SSTUWA’s pre-state election publication in relation to GROH.
“The SSTUWA identified the need for more GROH, a central coordination authority operating with agreed equitable principles, an independent review of the tenant rent setting framework policy, a
“In addition to this legislation, a commitment to improving working conditions, limiting excessive workloads and encouraging workplace retention and recruitment is required to attract and maintain a skilled TAFE workforce that is essential for the future of the sector.”
In its submission the AEU asserts the need for additional parallel investment into TAFE infrastructure and equipment to support the influx of new students into the system.
It also recommends including support for improving workplace conditions for the TAFE workforce, addressing excessive workloads, guaranteeing solid career progression and pay increases for staff, and improving both recruitment and retention of the TAFE workforce.
reduction in GROH charges, mandatory inclusion in builds of security features, and a review maintenance safety and security standards,” he said.
“The Premier’s announcement is a most welcome first step in increasing the availability of GROH and ensuring the system is run properly, addressing a key issue facing rural public education.”
Facing the facts on fixing education in WA
By Lindsay Hale School leader consultant
The SSTUWA is not affiliated with any political party. We are calling on all candidates in the forthcoming state election to face the facts, consider our position and the ample evidence to support it – and commit to action on nine key education issues that affect our public schools and TAFE colleges. You can read responses from the parties starting from page 9 of this issue of Western Teacher and you can see the SSTUWA’s full election document at bit.ly/3Dbsaoc
1 - More funding and better expenditure
To address rising costs, compensate for repeated cuts and build a better and fairer public education system, the education budget must be increased. Additional funding cannot on its own improve public education, but the reforms so desperately needed require further investment.
2 - Class sizes
To reduce teacher workloads and improve student outcomes, class sizes in WA public schools must be reduced; WA public school classes are the highest in the country. The SSTUWA seeks the most substantial reductions to be made in schools with significant proportions of students who are educationally disadvantaged, and across Pre-Primary and Years 4 to 10.
3 - Infrastructure
To deliver immediate and ongoing capital works improvements the state government must commence an ambitious and long overdue public school building and TAFE college investment program. Giving WA public students and their local communities shared
community infrastructure provides an immediate and long-term investment return to the future of WA and delivers a social dividend to the wider community.
4 - Teacher, lecturer and school leader attraction and retention in regional WA
To improve regional attraction and retention, public school and TAFE college staffing processes, incentives, supports and working environments must be improved. The centralisation of services and growth of the Independent Public School model has not met the needs of students or staff in regional WA.
5 - Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) availability, cost, quality, safety and security
The consequence of 2006 changes to the GROH program has been a loss of housing stock, employees often living in unacceptable temporary arrangements for significant periods of time and creating an overall disincentive for public sector employees to work in regional WA. Lack of housing, poor quality housing, cost of housing and matters of home maintenance, safety and security are significant barriers to attracting and retaining teachers, lecturers, school leaders and school psychologists.
6 - Support and services for students, teachers, lecturers and school leaders
To better serve students and address the workload implications of growing student disadvantage and complexity, adequate levels of local support must be provided. Support services must be reviewed to ensure they are more accessible,
more responsive to local needs and better resourced to support schools’ administrative and educational needs.
7 - Aboriginal education
A comprehensive strategy to encourage culturally responsive leadership and develop concrete actions to support the implementation of the Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework must be implemented. There must be strong and authentic student, family and community engagement, as well as place-based codesign, if we are to impact connection, attendance, aspiration, learning and achievement.
8 - Safety in schools
To ensure everyone in every school community feels safe and able to engage in their learning or their work, a comprehensive and strategically coordinated approach must be implemented as a matter of urgency. The causes of inappropriate behaviour, violence and aggression are manifold –they require a commensurate response.
9 - The early years
Addressing children’s needs, especially in the earliest years, has implications for and beyond education. It goes to the growing complexity of needs as well as the impact of growing disadvantage and challenges in communities. Better support for infants and children is required to ensure school readiness and sufficient wellbeing and security to effectively engage in schooling.
State Election 2025 political party statements
The SSTUWA invited the following parties to send submissions answering key questions about their education policy platform for the upcoming state election: Greens WA, WA Labor Party, Liberal Party of WA and The Nationals WA. Each party was contacted in the same manner, with the same follow-ups. We received replies from Greens WA, the WA Labor Party and The Nationals WA. These are those responses. The information is as supplied by the parties and correct at time of publication. No response was received from the Liberal Party of WA within the required timeline.
Greens WA
Diane Evers, Education spokesperson
1. Successive governments have taken advantage of a loophole to remove an additional four per cent of funding from public schools by counting it as part of the state’s 75 per cent funding contribution. Will you commit to restoring that four per cent as an additional payment?
Yes, The Greens are committed to fully funding public schools to 100 per cent SRS, without resorting to “creative accounting”.
2. What is your position on incremental reduction in maximum class sizes?
We believe classroom teachers understand what class sizes work best. We support (and will push for) the following class size targets by 2027.
• Pre-primary from 25-27 to 24.
• Years 4 to 10 from 32 to 27.
• Years 11 and 12 from 25 to 24.
3. What is your commitment to face-to-face teaching by qualified teachers and TAFE lecturers across the state?
Our initiatives around TAFE are still being finalised, however for a general overview of our policies pertaining to TAFE, please see our Education policy at: greens.org.au/wa/policies/education
4. How will you increase investment in educator attraction and retention in regional WA?
We will call for all regional teaching staff
to be offered permanency in their roles, and extend GROH and other regional incentives to all regional school staff.
5. What is your intent in relation to GROH for teachers, lecturers, school psychologist and school leaders, to improve housing availability, cost, quality, safety and security?
We support and will bring to Parliament the SSTUWA’s call for a 50 per cent reduction in GROH charges, and the option for employees living in GROH to salary package mortgages.
We also believe it is vital that GROH properties be maintained on a preventative maintenance schedule, and fitted with security technology including internal motion detectors, external cameras, audio and visual alarms, and security doors.
6. How will you address crucial infrastructure and maintenance issues in schools and TAFEs?
The Greens will call for an initial commitment to invest $500 million into WA state school infrastructure - followed by an annual contribution each year of a decade of a further $50 million to a capital infrastructure building and maintenance fund.
7. What is your plan to improve behaviour and reduce violence and aggression in our schools and TAFEs?
We support the targeted reduction in class sizes to facilitate better
management of in-class behaviour. We also support the SSTUWA’s call for an additional 20 FTE in the number of CMS/ BMS teacher consultants, and delivery of professional learning to empower teachers to deal with adverse behaviour.
8. What new or expanded initiatives do you propose to ensure more children are ready to learn from the commencement of their schooling?
The details of our early learning policy are still being finalised and will be shared with you soon.
WA Labor Party
Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia
The Cook Labor Government has the experience and track record to continue delivering for Western Australian schools, TAFEs, lecturers and teachers. WA Labor understands the value of education, the critical role of educators, and the importance of making sure every childno matter their background - has access to world-class education. We want to ensure every public school is a great public school.
Accessible, inclusive and equitable education is a right for all. We believe educators have the right to work in a safe environment and we genuinely value the input of educators and their union in guiding education in this State. The State School Teachers Union has a key role to play alongside government, working to deliver the education system our young people deserve.
We are the only party that can be trusted with the TAFE system. We have spent the past eight years restoring TAFE after it was decimated under the Liberal-National Government. We have partnered with the Albanese Government to deliver Fee Free TAFE courses across a range of key industries. There are also now over 160 high priority courses that have had their course fees reduced by up to 72 percent through our Lower fees, local skills initiatives.
If re-elected, I expect the SSTUWA to continue to be a partner in developing and delivering the State’s education policies, as well as continuing its strong advocacy for the teaching workforce. I am pleased with the increased level of collaboration between my Government and the union and want to build upon this in a new WA Labor Government.
Our track record is already strong. I am
delighted we were able to secure a new agreement last year that delivers wage increases, new attraction and retention initiatives and significant measures to reduce teacher workload. It is a well-deserved outcome and one that recognises the continued and emerging demands on our educators.
The agreement boosts the graduate allowance, improves professional learning opportunities, and enhances long service leave, personal leave, and compassionate leave entitlements. Importantly, the agreement includes robust measures to reduce workload and provide genuine support to teachers.
It includes improved career pathways, with the creation of a new Senior Teacher Level 2 classification and trial deployment of experienced teachers and school leaders to regional schools. A graduate teacher’s starting salary has risen to $88,178, and a senior teacher’s salary to $132,557. Experienced Level 3 teachers earn up to $147,077 and senior school principals up to $206,662. In a global shortage of teachers, we want to ensure Western Australian teachers are among the best paid in the country.
100 per cent School Resourcing Standard funding
My Government is proud to have been the first in Australia to achieve the full and fair 100 per cent School Resourcing Standard through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (BFSA). This historic deal, achieved alongside the Albanese Government, will deliver the support students and educators have long deserved.
Under the BFSA, an additional $1.6 billion in combined State and Commonwealth funding will be invested in Western
Australian public schools over 2025 to 2029. Additional funding will be tied to reforms focused on improving equity and excellence in our schools, supporting student wellbeing for learning and engagement, and providing a strong, sustainable and supported workforce of teachers and other school staff.
Recently we have reached further agreement with the Albanese Government for an increase in Commonwealth funding to 25 per cent of the Schooling Resourcing Standard over the next 10 years – up from the current 22.5 per cent. This will incrementally increase the Commonwealth’s contribution from 2030 to 25 per cent of the SRS by 2034, and provides hundreds
of millions of dollars of Commonwealth funding to the State over this period.
As part of this agreement we will remove the Morrison Government provision that allowed the State to claim four per cent of public school funding for indirect school costs such as capital depreciation and replace it with four per cent of recurrent funding on eligible expenses, while also maintaining our 75 per cent share of the SRS for public schools.
This is something only a Labor Government could deliver. WA Labor understands education and the need for proper resourcing. I am particularly pleased that the 100 per cent School Resourcing Standard includes a record level of individual support for students. Educators understand how crucial direct one-on-one support is and these additional resources will make a real difference to student outcomes.
Workload reduction and class sizes
My Government acknowledges the continued and emerging demands on educators, and is strongly focused on reducing teacher workload by putting in place innovative measures to reduce pressure on teachers.
To this end, the Cook Labor Government is progressing a number of important workload reduction initiatives, including establishing the Workload Intensification Taskforce. The Taskforce comprises members from the SSTUWA and the Department of Education, headed by an independent chair. It is working to identify opportunities and evaluate initiatives that support the management of school leader and teacher workloads. Effective oversight is essential in addressing workloads.
We have also introduced a series of initiatives using digital technology and artificial intelligence to reduce red tape and ease workloads. This includes testing appropriate and sensible AI tools to assist teachers, piloting digital solutions to lessen paperwork and administration, and introducing Complex Behaviour Support Coordinators to help assist students with disabilities.
Importantly, the ‘Connect and Respect’ program is working to limit after-hours contact with public school staff. These resources support school leaders with a consistent message to parents on expectations of behaviour, as well as a clear approach on managing adult
behaviour that negatively impacts our schools and student learning. We have also updated documentation for exclusions, which has reduced the workload associated with the recommendation for exclusion process for schools and regions.
Maximum and recommended class size limits are already included in the agreement and I’m pleased class size averages for Western Australian public schools in 2024 continued to be below these, however I recognise workload is an issue on which we must continue to work. The agreement includes a focus on small group tuition, student documented plans and professional learning. The Cook Labor Government recognises the importance of face-to-face teaching by registered teachers and is progressing a series of initiatives to increase the supply of teachers for Western Australian public schools.
Teacher attraction and retention
The attraction and retention of teachers, particularly in remote and regional areas, is a primary focus. Despite global workforce shortages, we have continued to attract and retain high-quality teachers across all locations, including those that have proven harder to staff.
Teacher and school administrator mobility trials agreed to in negotiations have already been implemented for 2025, providing permanent metropolitan staff with experience living and working in regional locations. In addition to other location-driven incentives, this is an opportunity for eligible staff to take a three-year appointment at a regional school, with a right of return to their substantive position.
We also understand housing is a major consideration for attracting and retaining education employees across our vast State. We remain committed to ensuring housing is available, affordable, liveable, safe and secure. Since 2021-22, my Government has committed nearly $300 million for new Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) and to refurbish existing stock. We have also continued to freeze rent increases for teachers occupying GROH dwellings to assist regional towns to continue to attract teachers.
New schools, TAFEs and upgraded infrastructure
The State Government has opened more than 30 new schools and delivered major
upgrades at many more, including early childhood learning facilities, performing arts centres, sports halls, and more than 330 new science labs to prepare our young people for the jobs of the future.
We are investing in the biggest TAFE capital works program in WA history with 15 major upgrades of TAFEs across the State to create world-class learning facilities.
Since 2017, our commitment to public schools has been demonstrated through a $4.8 billion investment in building new and improved schools across the State. This included $200 million as part of our Maintenance Blitz.
We recognise that many of WA’s schools are ageing and require refurbishment. A government that I lead will ensure our hundreds of State schools have the support they need to provide quality facilities, with good conditions for leaning for both teachers and students.
2025 State Election
The coming State election offers Western Australians a choice between stable, responsible, experienced government – and the chaotic, risky and divided Liberal and National parties.
Education and training are always better looked after under Labor governments. WA Labor understands the pressures educators face, and the need to genuinely engage teachers and their union on policy and how best to educate our kids. Continued improvement demands collaboration.
This principle is a vital part of WA Labor’s approach to education and training –and the SSTUWA and our workforce will continue to play a strong role alongside government in guiding education in Western Australia.
Over the course of the election campaign WA Labor will be announcing a series of commitments to further improve our schools and TAFEs. I am asking for your support on March 8 so we can continue to deliver great outcomes for educators.
ROGER COOK MLA PREMIER OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The Nationals WA
Peter
Rundle
MLA, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education and Training
1. Successive governments have taken advantage of a loophole to remove an additional four per cent of funding from public schools by counting it as part of the state’s 75 per cent funding contribution. Will you commit to restoring that four per cent as an additional payment?
The Nationals WA are committed to adequate funding of public schools and restoring the four per cent of funding withdrawn annually by the current Labor government.
While the Facing the Facts Report highlighted the need for a significant increase in public school funding, together with a better distribution of those funds to help teachers narrow the achievement gaps created by socioeconomic disadvantage and disability, the Labor government instead cut four per cent from the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement for their own coffers.
The recent Better and Fairer Schools Agreement requires WA to get to 77.5 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard by 2026 and the Commonwealth to 22.5 per cent by 2026.
The current state Labor government has failed to secure adequate funding for our public school students. The agreement actually allows Labor to immediately withdraw four per cent each of the year of the agreement. This brings the true funding amount down to 96 per cent which could be in place for up to 10 years.
By the end of a five-year agreement, the four per cent gap to a true full funding amount of 100 per cent will be worth approximately $275 million per annum.
The Nationals WA in government will commit to restoring the four per cent to our public schools which is the true agreement to appropriately fund our students.
The Nationals WA will also seek answers from this Labor government to reveal exactly what it planned to do with the four per cent per annum taken from public school students.
2. What is your position on incremental reduction in maximum class sizes?
Maximum class sizes in WA public schools are too high. This does not enable educators to provide for the specific needs of each student.
Class sizes are higher in WA than in other states and have not changed despite the increasing complexity of student needs.
Increasing cognitive and emotional complexities with students means teachers and education assistants are spending more time tackling these issues rather than teaching the broader classroom cohort, and high class numbers only compounds this problem for teachers.
The Nationals WA support the incremental reduction in class sizes to meet the needs of students with complex needs, as well as ensuring other students’ education is not compromised.
After 40 years the maximum class size in Years 4-10 is still 32 in WA public schools.
3. What is your commitment to face-to-face teaching by qualified teachers and TAFE lecturers across the state?
The use of Limited Registration Teachers should be a last resort strategy, not the go to plan this Labor Government has for teacher replacement. Fully qualified teachers and lecturers in front of classrooms will be the Nationals WA commitment.
The Nationals WA will increase teacher numbers by providing a more supportive environment to teach. The Facing the Facts report clearly outlines the need to reduce the workload for teachers. The Nationals WA will streamline workloads for teachers, increasing their availability to teach.
There are also around 10,000 teachers who aren’t teaching in WA. The Nationals WA want to streamline registration processes to make it easier for them to return to teaching and provide relief teaching roles.
4. How will you increase investment in educator attraction and retention in regional WA?
WA schools and students deserve a return to sustainable teacher numbers brought about by increased support for teachers in the classroom and increased incentives for attraction and retention.
Specific to our regional WA teacher workforce The Nationals WA in government will prioritise consistent and increased Country Teacher Program allowances, de-centralise district office support and introduce a consistent approach to regional teacher placement incentives, as well as improving GROH.
The Nationals WA will bring back locally based services for education development, training, administrative support and mentoring.
The Nationals WA will bolster the services of District Offices providing on the ground support for our teachers and principals.
Financial incentives for teacher retention is part of that strategy as well as guaranteeing teachers right of return to their previous, permanent positions (both metropolitan and regional).
5. What is your intent in relation to GROH for teachers, lecturers, school psychologist and school leaders, to improve housing availability, cost, quality, safety and security?
Housing is key to attracting & retaining the teacher workforce, especially in regional WA.
The Nationals WA promise to rebuild the WA teacher workforce in regional areas focuses on housing and regional incentives.
An overhaul of Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) will improve security, maintenance, vacancy rates and increase the housing stock.
The Nationals WA will increase the GROH annual operating budget by $1.7m to manage housing maintenance, as
well as increase the housing stock for education sector by at least 60.
Labor has grossly underfunded GROH in recent years, not delivered on promised increases in housing stock and left houses locked up and empty waiting for maintenance and safety upgrades.
This neglect by Labor especially during a cost of living crisis has failed to attract teachers, principals, education assistants, psychologists and many other critical staff to live, work and stay long term in the regions.
To attract and retain our teachers, lecturers, school leaders and allied health staff The Nationals WA in government will focus on improving the provision of regional housing.
6. How will you address crucial infrastructure and maintenance issues in schools and TAFEs?
The Nationals WA will commit $60 million to funding infrastructure improvements at Como Senior High School and an initial $60 million for Esperance Senior High School.
Critical maintenance and infrastructure requirements will be reviewed by The Nationals WA with priority given to regional schools waiting longer than five years for infrastructure upgrades.
The Nationals WA will review closely the statewide infrastructure audit.
7. What is your plan to improve behaviour and reduce violence and aggression in our schools and TAFEs?
The Nationals WA have a comprehensive plan to change the way violence in Western Australian schools is managed, promising to enhance prevention and intervention strategies to create safer learning environments.
Findings from Facing the Facts Report indicate that a small, but apparently growing, number of children engage in aggressive and disruptive behaviour at school and that teachers and school leaders exposed to such behaviour report elevated stress levels and poorer mental health.
The escalation of violence has led to increased stress and anxiety among school leaders, with many considering early retirement.
The Nationals WA in government commit to the following measures:
1. Increase Specialised Teacher Consultants: Deploy consultants in each of the eight regions to train and support school staff in preventative and behaviour management strategies.
2. Enhance Interagency Support: Strengthen collaboration between agencies to support student outcomes and school staff.
3. Expand Schools of Alternative Learning (SALS): Establish two SALS centres in each of the eight education regions, providing targeted support for students at risk of exclusion due to violent behaviour.
The Nationals WA plan to develop partnership agreements with agencies and allied professionals to create a framework for combined service delivery, ensuring a safe and supportive school environment.
8. What new or expanded initiatives do you propose to ensure more children are ready to learn from the commencement of their schooling?
Early childhood programs will be supported and enhanced throughout WA. The Nationals WA will improve paediatric services for children in WA.
This is a complex issue, but by maximising early paediatric assessments, ongoing support structures will help to alleviate specialist educational needs in the future.
The critical role of education assistants in supporting students and teachers can’t be underestimated.
The Nationals WA will ensure the education assistants’ roles are appropriately financially rewarded.
This will help to take the pressure off teachers and provide students who require this support, with the targeted assistance they need to succeed.
Graduate teacher entitlements
By Chloe Hosking Growth Team coordinator
Starting your teaching career can be both challenging and rewarding. The SSTUWA has long advocated for better support for graduate teachers. As a result of union members’ advocacy, graduate teachers can access a variety of benefits. These are designed to help you be the best teacher you can in the early years of your career.
It’s crucial to confirm that you’ve received these allocations, as they can occasionally go astray. If you’re unsure, don’t stress — help is available.
If you’ve signed a contract of six months or longer, here’s what you’re entitled to:
• Start-Up Allowance: Receive $2,000 pro-rata (previously $1,600) at the start of both your first and second years of teaching. This is paid via payroll, so keep an eye on your first few pay slips. If it doesn’t appear, speak to your Manager of Corporate Services (MCS).
• Additional Non-Contact Time: You’re allocated eight extra days of non-contact time during your first year, which might be scheduled as approximately one hour per week or two full days each term. The timing is flexible and can be negotiated with your principal or line manager. Use this extra time for planning, report writing, behaviour management, or other essential DOTT time tasks.
• Graduate Module Relief Funding: Your school receives funding for eight days of relief to allow you to attend graduate modules. If you attend these modules during school holidays or online, you’re entitled to paid time off in lieu (PTOIL). Ensure you confirm arrangements with your
principal or line manager before enrolling in your first graduate module on PLIS (Professional Learning Information System).
• Curriculum Materials Allowance: A $150 allowance is provided to purchase classroom resources like textbooks, educational materials, or even a Bluetooth speaker. These items belong to you and can be taken with you if you move schools. Before purchasing, confirm with your MCS that the item is appropriate and clarify the process for reimbursement or payment.
• Contingency Allowance: This allowance helps cover costs for travel and accommodation when attending graduate modules one and two, particularly for regional graduates. The amount varies, starting at approximately $120 for those in the Perth metro area. Discuss how to access this allowance with your principal or MCS before attending your module.
You will also become eligible for the In-Class Coaching Program and, since the General Agreement 2021 (Schools), should only be required for internal relief by your agreement.
For more details, visit the Know Your Rights section at sstuwa.org.au/kyr and review the New Educator Rights and Entitlements sheet. If you still have questions, contact Member Assist at 9210 6060, 1800 106 683 or memberassist@sstuwa.org.au
Looking forward to a great year in ECE
By Natalie Blewitt Senior Vice President
Welcome to 2025! I hope you managed to take some time out for yourself over the break, resting and recharging those batteries in preparation for another school year.
We can agree 2024 was a busy year and I am sure you have all captured some “frozen moments”, memories to relive and have celebrated achievements.
For me there were many, including the registration of the Schools General Agreement, great conversations with members while at workplaces and at other events and of course, the march over Matagarup Bridge, rally at Gloucester Park and solidarity across the state.
I have portfolio responsibility for several areas within the union, and this year my goal is to showcase and share the great work that is happening in each of them through my regular Western Teacher column. Let’s kick things off with early childhood education (ECE).
Having worked most of my teaching career across Years 1-3, having senior officer portfolio responsibility for ECE is somewhat of a natural fit.
I thoroughly enjoy visiting schools and seeing the amazing spaces created where children’s curiosity and sense of imagination are welcomed and encouraged.
What does quality practice look like? That is a great question and one that can be answered by flicking through the pages of the National Quality Standard in Action
This wonderful cross sectorial resource promotes and showcases what it looks like to optimise the learning and development of children in the early learning years. If you have not had a
chance to see this publication yet, it can be viewed online at bit.ly/49C77Hl
Copies were sent out to schools towards the end of last year, so have a hunt around to see if you can locate one at your site.
The importance of the state government’s investment in the early years was demonstrated with the appointment of an ECE minister, Sabine Winton. It has been heartening to see the steps forward, and investment in, this crucial stage of development. I look forward to the continuation of productive meetings with Minister Winton. See also page 22 for an Albanese Government election commitment on ECE.
I also look forward to working with ECE Committee members. Thank you to the dedicated members who served on the committee last year. If you are looking to be more involved and having a voice in ECE, I would encourage you to consider joining with us this year. Look out for the committee nomination forms. We would love to have you on the team.
Keep an eye out also for this year’s SSTUWA ECE Conference. This event is a must for those working in ECE and planning is already underway for another amazing day. Make sure to note the date – Friday 1 August 2025. Further information about this event will be posted on social media and in this magazine.
The International Day of Play will once again be held on 11 June so get your thinking caps on as to how you will celebrate the day. If you are having an event or planning something special, let us know. We would love to hear from you.
Working with, and for, SSTUWA members is a privilege and one that I do not take lightly. I am immensely proud of our achievements. Working together, we can achieve greatness.
Thank you to all for your membership, hard work and dedication to public education. I look forward to meeting with many of you over the course of the year.
Marching forward into 2025
By Sharmila Nagar Vice President
As the new year begins and students and staff return to their educational settings, we welcome the Bunuru season. This Noongar season is often associated with the colour orange and is the hottest time of the year for all in Western Australia. We associate this season with no or little rain, hot easterly winds if you are by the coast and emergence of blossoming of wattle and banksia plants.
This year marks the 30-year anniversary since the United Nation’s Declaration and Platform for Action for achieving gender equality (also known as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action).
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Beijing+5 Political Declaration and Outcome is regarded as the most “progressive blueprint ever for advancing women’s rights”. You can read it by visiting bit.ly/3DSLcjf
The 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action identified 12 critical areas in need of urgent action to guarantee equality, which you can view in the graphic on the next page.
One hundred and eighty-nine countries adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to improve gender equality and the importance for women and girls to be empowered.
This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme March Forward celebrates this 30-year milestone.
While women have been part of the international movement to achieve gender equity, we know there is still a lot more that needs to happen to progress gender equality and equity in Australia.
Last year, the Australian government launched its first ever national strategy on achieving gender equality.
The report, Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality is a 10-year plan that looks to prioritise actions to achieve a gender equal society. The five priority areas in this strategy are:
1. Ending gender-based violence.
2. Unpaid and paid care.
3. Economic equality and security.
4. Health.
5. Leadership, representation and decision-making.
These priority areas were established after a consultative process with the public from all backgrounds. Monitoring progress of the 10-year strategy will include a mid-point review in 2029.
In Western Australia, Stronger Together for Gender Equality is a 10-year plan to build and create a safer, more equitable and just community across WA.
This year will see the state government releasing its third action plan, with 98 actions across its four priority areas of health and wellbeing, safety and justice, economic independence and leadership.
This includes:
• Free menstrual health products to all public schools and TAFE.
• Deadly Sista Girlz Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls to engage and empower in their choices about their futures.
• More funding grants for eight WA women’s teams.
• A trial to integrate legal services with
women’s health services in Kalgoorlie and Northbridge.
• Respect in Mining program.
• Student safe professional learning for North Regional TAFE lecturers to enable greater understanding and support for women’s safety in training environment.
• Scholarships of up to $3 million for up to 400 women to undertake training in non-traditional trade and technical occupations.
While the SSTUWA is pleased with the actions so far, we know that a review of the actions and implementation to date will also help steer what needs to happen going forward.
International Women’s Day on 8 March will see a variety of events across Australia.
The SSTUWA will be joining UnionsWA in its IWD event, which will be held on 28 February, due to the state election timeline.
UnionsWA invite you to join us in commemorating IWD 2025 at a special event on 28 February, from 5-6pm in the Perth CBD.
As part of the March Forward theme, this year we will focus on “My Rights, My Body, My Vote”. This theme underscores the enduring relevance of the women’s rights movement and aims to spark meaningful dialogue about the empowerment, autonomy and societal participation of women.
Please save this date in your calendar and we will provide further details about the venue and program closer to the event.
What do schools and teachers think of AI in classrooms?
By Vitomir Kovanovic, Maarten de Laat and Rebecca Marrone
It’s just over two years since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022. Since then, educators worldwide have been grappling with what generative artificial intelligence (AI) might mean for classrooms and learning.
ChatGPT has been met with both anxiety and a sense of optimism. While there has been a lot of discussion about what is happening in universities, there has been less attention given to schools.
We have been looking at trials of AI in schools in South Australia. Here’s what we found.
What has happened so far in Australia?
Most Australian states initially banned ChatGPT and other generative AI tools
in government schools (many private schools have been using the technology).
In a different approach, the SA government began a trial of AI in schools in 2023 with its own tool, EdChat.
Other jurisdictions have since reconsidered their stance. For example, at the start of 2024, New South Wales began trialling its own AI tool.
In November 2023, the federal government also published a framework for generative AI in schools, which said AI has “great potential” to help teachers and students, and to reduce administrative workloads.
Last August, a federal parliamentary inquiry recommended generative AI in schools should be a “national priority”,
finding the benefits of AI outweigh its significant risks and challenges.
What happened in South Australia?
EdChat is a generative AI tool owned by the SA Department for Education, which was designed with Microsoft. It can be used in classrooms and at home. According to the department, it has “extra safety features” to protect students’ privacy and stop them accessing inappropriate content.
In the first phase of the trial, EdChat was used in eight SA government high schools for eight weeks. In the second phase, a further eight schools were included.
We have been evaluating the trial using survey data from about 90 teachers and
700 students. A journal article on this work is currently under review. In this article, we speak about our results from teachers.
It reduces time pressure
Teachers told us they felt safer using EdChat than other tools such as ChatGPT, because student data is not being used to train generative AI models.
However, teachers still wanted to know more about how the student data is stored and who can access EdChat records.
Teachers also reported significant benefits of the tool. They said it helped save time developing lesson plans and learning materials – allowing for more time with students in the classroom.
One teacher told us how the tool had been adopted by the class: “We nicknamed it Eddy as a class and Eddy is now embedded as part of our class culture.”
Teachers also used EdChat to provide personalised learning activities to students and “reduce time pressure and brain power required to create [teaching examples] and plan fun activities”. EdChat also allowed students to get personalised feedback or support when teachers were not around.
We need to be careful
Teachers noted issues with hallucinations (when the AI comes up with nonsense) and incorrect information. This means students need to have the skills to recognise this.
They also said students need to learn to write better prompts and develop their critical thinking skills for working with AI. They said content filters could also be challenging. While designed to keep students safe, they sometimes interfered with learning, especially for sensitive topics such as history, reproductive health or politics. For example, one history teacher said the “censorship was difficult to get around”.
Teachers also said it was more difficult to work out whether students’ work was plagiarised or not.
What happens now?
The SA government is looking at ways to expand the use of EdChat in schools.
Our research suggests we need to do more work in several areas.
The first is specific education for students around how to use AI critically and effectively.
We also need more research now about how AI is being used in different schools. There are no large-scale studies yet in Australia but there is growing evidence from other parts of the world, such as Estonia, the United States and United Kingdom,
which show AI is significantly changing the way teachers are teaching. This includes spending more time on students’ critical thinking skills and using AI to generate ideas. We also need to make sure all students can gain access to AI (not just those who can afford the technology) and that the AI itself it not biased against minorities.
Meanwhile, teachers need more support and professional development, and schools need help to plan and make changes. This includes a wider community awareness of the profound effects these new technologies are having and will have on the teaching profession and student learning.
Vitomir Kovanovic is associate professor and associate director of the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L), Education Futures at the University of South Australia. Maarten de Laat is professor of augmented and networked learning, director at C3L and academic lead AI for LIFE CRC bid development, Education Futures at the University of South Australia. Rebecca Marrone is lecturer of learning sciences and development, C3L, Education Futures at the University of South Australia. The opinions expressed in this article are that of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official policies or positions of the AEU or SSTUWA. This article was first published on The Conversation website and has been reproduced here with permission.
As one teacher told us: “I think we need to be careful since students can treat AI like how they treat anything on the internet, without any critical thinking and taking it at face value.”
National education and union news
Early education election commitment welcomed
The Australian Education Union (AEU) has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that a re-elected Albanese Government would deliver three days [per week] of subsidised early education, describing it as a major step forward in ensuring all Australian children receive the best possible start in life.
AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said this initiative would benefit children, families, and early childhood educators and teachers alike.
“Access to quality early childhood education and care is a crucial investment in the future, and this is a positive move by the Albanese Government,” she said.
“This is a win for children, families and the professionals who shape the future of our nation.”
Ms Haythorpe said the importance of supporting the educators and teachers who would make this policy possible could not be understated.
“Early childhood educators and teachers are central to the success of this policy,” she said.
“These professionals are the heart of early education, and their expertise, commitment and passion are crucial in helping children reach their full potential.
“Ensuring fair pay, improved working conditions and professional development opportunities will be key to retaining and attracting skilled early childhood educators and teachers and providing children with the high-quality care and education they deserve.
“We must ensure these educators and teachers are supported, valued and empowered to deliver the best outcomes for children.”
AEU Victorian Branch deputy president Justin Mullaly said by making early
childhood education accessible three days a week, this policy will create a more equitable playing field for all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Research has consistently shown that the early years of a child’s life are the most critical for their cognitive, social and emotional development. Yet, for too long, many families have been locked out of these benefits due to the high costs of childcare,” Mr Mullaly said.
“This announcement of three days of subsidised early education will ensure that every child, regardless of their background, will have a foundation that sets them up for lifelong learning.”
Ms Haythorpe said this announcement will deliver economic benefits now and into the future.
“For too many parents, the cost of early
childhood education and care has been a barrier to participation in the workforce and to accessing educational opportunities for their children,” she said.
“Delivering these three days of subsidised early education for children who need it will create cost of living relief and allow more parents to return to work, knowing their children are in safe, nurturing and educational environments.
“This is an important step forward for early education, however, the AEU continues to call for the funding of two years of universal access to preschool for all three and four-year-olds.
“The AEU looks forward to continuing to work with the Albanese Government to ensure that universal childcare becomes a reality, with the support and recognition that educators and teachers need to thrive.”
Australians risk reduction in retirement income under Coalition proposal
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has warned that the current push by Coalition members to cut superannuation will cost the average 30-year-old worker around $165,000 in retirement income.
Key Coalition members, including Alex Antic, Matt Canavan and Llew O’Brien, have voiced support for cutting the superannuation guarantee rate from 12 per cent to nine per cent if the Coalition wins the upcoming election.
The reduction of three per cent in compulsory employer-paid superannuation, with the accompanying decline in compounding returns, will mean that the average 30-year-old worker today will lose around $165,000 in retirement income, according to ACTU estimates.
The Coalition members’ reported comments raise questions about how
New
powers
far the Coalition will go to undermine the hard-won entitlements of Australian workers.
In a Sydney University speech in October last year, Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor stated that the Coalition’s ambition included “aligning superannuation with other global retirement schemes – like [the United States of America’s] 401k.”
Australia’s superannuation system is consistently ranked one of the best in the world and allows Australians to retire with significantly more retirement income than the mediocre US system provides.
ACTU assistant secretary Joseph Mitchell said superannuation was a workplace right and should be protected, not attacked by out-of-touch politicians.
“The Coalition members suggesting a reduction in the superannuation guarantee are very happy to continue to
receive 15.4 per cent superannuation for their own retirements,” he said.
“The Coalition’s hypocrisy is unbelievable – they want to enjoy the benefits of super for themselves while robbing working people of it.
“The last time the Coalition were in power, they froze super and forced people to raid their super to get by in a pandemic. Now, they’re talking about cutting super and getting workers to raid what’s left for more expensive houses.
“It’s clear that working people’s wages and retirement savings are at risk under Peter Dutton.
“Working people, through their unions, built a world-class superannuation system. We will defend super for future generations because every worker deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement.”
to tackle wage theft affecting one
million workers
Employers can face jail time or fines of up to $7.85 million under new laws criminalising wage theft that come into operation at the start of 2025, after a long union campaign.
More than one million Australian workers experience wage theft by being paid below the national minimum wage or the lowest junior or casual rates in the awards system. This includes one in three casual workers – or 875,000 casual employees
– who are mostly working in the retail and hospitality sectors and 538,200 permanent workers, according to ACTU analysis of ABS data.
From 1 January, an employer will now commit a criminal offence if they deliberately underpay their staff. A company can face fines of up to $7.85 million, or three times the amount of the underpayment, whichever is greater. An individual can face up to 10
years in prison, and fines of up to $1.56 million, or three times the amount of the underpayment, whichever is greater.
Civil penalties for wage underpayments have also increased by as much as 25 times for larger companies engaged in serious contraventions that could now be fined up to $4.95 million. Overall estimates of the extent of wage theft vary widely given that it is a practice hidden by employers. Read more at bit.ly/3PJv8D9
Education & Training Centre
Join us at the Education and Training Centre in 2025
Whatever your role or career stage, the SSTUWA’s Education and Training Centre is available to provide high quality industrial, professional, career development and work health and safety courses to support your needs.
All courses are conducted by skilled, experienced and passionate educators who provide outstanding learning opportunities around a wide range of topics and industrial matters. Join us at the SSTUWA building for face-to-face events or jump online to participate in our wide range of outstanding online professional and industrial events.
The term breaks provide an opportunity to recoup and connect with other educators through a range of high-quality professional events on offer. The holiday courses are suitable for self-identified professional learning needs of K-TAFE educators. Visit our website on a regular basis to keep watch for new events.
Conferences 2025
During 2025 we will be offering a range of conferences and forums. Plan and make use of your trade union training (TUT) quota in 2025. Save the dates for the following TUT approved events.
Early Childhood Educator Conference
Term 3 - Friday 1 August
2025 Women’s Conference
Term 4 - Friday 25 October
Term 1 2025 Planner
The following page provides an overview of the Term 1 training schedule. Courses commence in Week 5. Use the planner to display in the staff room and encourage your colleagues to attend a training event at the SSTUWA.
The Education and Training Centre 2025 schedule of courses – Term 1
Visit the SSTUWA website (sstuwa.org.au) for all course outlines, costings, times and registration details. Email: training@sstuwa.org.au or call Cecilia, Florecil or Daniela on 9210 6035
AI – Your Virtual Assistant, 60 mins
High Impact Teaching Strategies – Explicit Teaching, Worked Examples and Multiple Exposures, 60 mins
Member benefits
Accountants and Financial Advisers
Aston Accountants
10% discount on personal income tax returns for members.
sstuwa.org.au/aston
Industry Fund Services
Specialist financial products for union members.
sstuwa.org.au/ifs
LIFE Financial Planners
$1,200 off your statement of advice fee plus a free financial health check for members.
sstuwa.org.au/lifefinancial
TIPS Financial Services
$1,100 discount on your TIPS Transition to Retirement strategy or Retirement plan. Exclusive to members. sstuwa.org.au/tipsfs
Banking
ME Bank
Special offers throughout the year for members. A bank built by, and for, union members.
sstuwa.org.au/mebank
Mortgages, Money and Me
Complimentary advice, property reports, finance tools and more for SSTUWA members.
sstuwa.org.au/mmme
OFX Money Transfers
When it matters, OFX it. Save with the experts in international money transfers.
sstuwa.org.au/ofx
Teachers Mutual Bank
Banking exclusively for the education community.
sstuwa.org.au/tmbank
Massive discounts on products and services for SSTUWA members
Cars
AutoBahn
Mechanical and electrical services. Members receive 10% off any AutoBahn service or repair, capped at $100. sstuwa.org.au/autobahn
Bayswater Mazda
Exclusive offer including fuel card, servicing and more. sstuwa.org.au/bayswatermazda
Bob Jane T-Marts
National fleet pricing on a range of products and services. sstuwa.org.au/bobjane
easifleet
$250 Magic Hand Carwash voucher with any easifleet procured novated lease.
sstuwa.org.au/easifleet
Europcar
10% discount on vehicle hire in Australia. sstuwa.org.au/europcar
Paywise
Fleet Network is now Paywise. Package your next car and save on tax. Bonus gift with vehicle delivery. sstuwa.org.au/paywise
Western Motor Vehicle Consultants
We’ll find a car you’ll love. Save time and money when sourcing your next vehicle. sstuwa.org.au/westernmotors
Computers
Altronics
Build it yourself electronics centre. VIP trade discount in store and online. sstuwa.org.au/altronics
Apple on Campus
For details visit: sstuwa.org.au/apple
Dell
Save up to 5% off selected items. sstuwa.org.au/dell
HP Computers
Huge savings for members on laptops, accessories, printers and more. sstuwa.org.au/hp
PLE Computers
Save on your IT with access to the PLE Computers academic portal. sstuwa.org.au/ple
Educational Resources
Effective Group Work
Beyond Cooperative Learning. By Barrie Bennett. sstuwa.org.au/effectivegroupwork
Graphic Intelligence
Possibilities for Assessment and Instruction. By Barrie Bennett. sstuwa.org.au/graphicintelligence
Instructional Intelligence
Building Instructional Expertise for the Classroom. An SSTUWA project in collaboration with Barrie Bennett. sstuwa.org.au/instructionalintelligence
Teacher Superstore
5-10% discount, in store and online. sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore
Entertainment
Movie tickets
Pre-order your movie tickets and save. sstuwa.org.au/movietickets
Outback Splash
Featuring both water and year-round attractions. Discounted tickets for members. sstuwa.org.au/outbacksplash
Rockface
Indoor rock climbing in Balcatta. $15 all day climbing pass with harness hire. sstuwa.org.au/rockface
Food and Wine
Campbells
Access wholesale prices with a complimentary day pass. sstuwa.org.au/campbells
Cellar d’Or
Best value winery tour in the Margaret River Region. 10% discount for members. sstuwa.org.au/cellardor
Taste Bud Tours
Swan Valley “Speed Grazing” – 20% discount. Good Food, Wine & Cider (am) or Good Food, Wine & Beer (pm). sstuwa.org.au/tastebudtours
Health and Wellbeing
St John
First aid saves lives. Discounted first aid courses and kits for members. sstuwa.org.au/stjohn
WA Opticians
20% discount on spectacle frames and lenses. Perth and East Perth. sstuwa.org.au/waopticians
Housing
Houspect
Buy, build and invest with confidence. $50 discount on prepurchase building inspections. sstuwa.org.au/houspect
Johns Building Supplies
Trade prices on paint and painters’ hardware. Builders prices on all other hardware lines. sstuwa.org.au/jbs
SkylightsWA
Specialising in skylights and roof ventilation, servicing all regions of WA. 7% discount off selected products. sstuwa.org.au/skylightswa
Wattyl
15% off Wattyl paints, stains and accessories at Wattyl Paint Centres in WA. sstuwa.org.au/wattyl
Insurance and Legal
Journey Cover insurance
For details visit: sstuwa.org.au/journeycover
SSTUWA Legal Services
Access to quality legal services for both work-related and personal matters.
sstuwa.org.au/legal
Teachers Health Fund
Join the thousands of teachers who have already made the switch. sstuwa.org.au/teachershealth
Teachers Health – Travel
For Teachers Health members who are planning a trip away, Teachers Health travel insurance offers comprehensive cover at competitive rates. sstuwa.org.au/travelinsurance
Wills for members
Members can access a complimentary simple will, where appropriate. For more information or details about a complex will, visit: sstuwa.org.au/wills
Shopping
isubscribe
Up to an extra 10% off any print and digital magazine subscription; over 4,000 titles. sstuwa.org.au/isubscribe
Jackson’s Drawing Supplies
10% discount in Jackson’s 12 shops and online. sstuwa.org.au/jacksons
Petals Flowers & Gifts
20% off flowers and gifts. World-wide delivery available. sstuwa.org.au/petals
Teacher Superstore
5-10% discount, in store and online. sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore
Travel and Accommodation
Accor Hotels
Great savings for teachers at Accor Hotels in the Asia Pacific region. sstuwa.org.au/accorhotels
Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels welcomes SSTUWA members with exclusive rates at locations in Australia and NZ. sstuwa.org.au/choicehotels
Duxton Hotel Perth
15% off the best available rate for members. Five star accommodation in the Perth CBD. sstuwa.org.au/duxton
Experience Oz
Save 10% on over 3,000 experiences across Oz + NZ. sstuwa.org.au/experienceoz
Inn the Tuarts Guest Lodge
Forest retreat, 4-star, with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and BBQ. Adults (12 years+) only. Five minutes to Busselton. Studios and rooms. 22.5% off rack rate or best available rate. sstuwa.org.au/innthetuarts
Jarrah Grove Forest Retreat
Luxurious, self-contained accommodation in Margaret River. Discounted rates for members. sstuwa.org.au/jarrahgrove
Mandurah Houseboats
10% discount on houseboat holidays. sstuwa.org.au/houseboats
Metro Hotel Perth City
15% discount on the best available rate. Located in East Perth near the WACA and Gloucester Park. sstuwa.org.au/metroperth
Rottnest ferry tickets
Save up to $15 on Rottnest ferry tickets with WestClub. sstuwa.org.au/rottnest
Classifieds
Augusta
3x1 spacious holiday rental. One double, one queen, five singles. 200m from the river and town. Magnificent river views. One large living area, three sided veranda and BBQ. Provide own linen and towels. $150 per night plus $50 cleaning fee. gregrowl@iinet.net.au
Dianella
2 bed granny flat (as new) located behind the main house. Private, quiet area with under main roof patio and adjoining small garden. Roadside parking. No pets. Suit mature person looking for long-term rent. $550/week (includes amenities). Available partly furnished if required. Call for further information or to view: 0404 098 302
Dunsborough (Quindalup)
Large 4x2 holiday home on Geographe Bay Rd. Swimming beach 30m away. Free use of private boat mooring. Room to park boats with boat ramp a minute away. Slow combustion wood heater and reverse-cycle air-con. Available all year except for leavers’ vacation. No pets. 0419 943 203 a_r_moore@bigpond.com
Dwellingup
Après Huit and Dwell Cottage provide luxury self-contained accommodation set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Can be rented separately or together. Après Huit: 2x2, main house. Dwell Cottage: 1x1, furnished in a French theme. Robert: 0419 954 079 dwellcottage.com.au
Dwellingup
In need of a tree change? Time out to reconnect with nature? Time for a vacation in Dwellingup’s Jarrah forest, 90 minutes from Perth. Chuditch Holiday Home is perfect for couples, groups and families. It’s centrally located and sleeps up to eight people.
Shani: 0402 615 235 shanivore@hotmail.com
Frankland River
Private secluded retreat. Choose from three different types of separate accommodation. Three bedroom homestead: two king beds, two single beds – sleeps six (no pets). Two adults $195/night, children under 13 $25/night, extra adult guests $50/night. One bedroom chalet: one queen bed – sleeps two. $139/night, adults only. One bedroom cabin: one queen bed – sleeps two. $169/night, adults only. franklandriver.com.au Jade: 0430 450 093 | Sam: 0413 160 093
Fremantle
Short term accommodation in central Fremantle. Recently refurbished with
all conveniences for modern living. Townhouse has three queen-sized bedrooms plus provision for two singles. Enjoy time in the rear garden, complete with BBQ. Secure parking for two cars, access controlled by electric gates. 9430 4458 | 0407 083 174 info@westerley.com.au
Fremantle
Staycation? Attending a function? Cosmopolitan getaway? Fremantle is the place. Cafes, restaurants and breweries. Markets, beach, art galleries, museums, theatre, events, shopping, skate park, Ferris wheel, whale watching... What more could you want? Eco-Gallery Apartment is stylish, centrally located, sleeps three and has secure parking. (08) 6323 2339
admin@smartstaywa.com.au
Kallaroo
Serenity Escape is a 2x1 apartment with full kitchen, offering comfort and convenience. 20 min walk to beach, 5 min drive to train station, walking distance to Whitfords Brewing Co, cinema and shops. Toiletries, slippers and coffee machine provided. Min two nights. Sleeps four, or five with mattress. No pets. $125/night for 3 people; $10/night per extra person. Molly: 0428 166 559 mollysletters@gmail.com
Kalbarri
Clean, tidy, self-contained family-friendly 3x1 brick house at the top end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Sleeps eight: two x queen beds and two x bunk beds. Close to Blue Holes Beach, 15 min walk to town. kalbarriwa.net.au | 0435 845 504
Lancelin
Large 5x2 holiday home. Everything within walking distance, close to beaches and town centre. Sleeps 14. Large wrap around verandah with outdoor seating/eating and bbq. Heaps of parking for boats or quads. $45/night/person (min six). Min two nights.
SMS: 0412 804 345
Margaret River
Two bedrooms, private, comfortable, fully equipped stone cottage with fireplace, located amongst the forest opposite Boranup National Park, 17km south of Margaret River on Caves Road. Close to beaches, wineries, caves and galleries. $150 per night for two people, or provide own linen and towels for $120 per night. Russell: 0418 933 270
Nannup
Seraphim Retreat is a pet friendly 3x1 character farm cottage, five minutes from friendly Nannup. Set in acreage, with established gardens and stunning valley views. Air conditioned and wood heater. Horse riders can bring their horses to access our arena and trails. Teacher discount: $159 weekends, $149 midweek. See website for details.
seraphimretreatnannup.com
SMS 0420 832 510
Safety Bay
Very clean and tidy, traditional style 3x1 duplex in Safety Bay. Fully furnished and equipped. One street from beach. Presently a minimum stay requirement (this may change).
cnjn@aapt.net.au
Trigg
Self contained accommodation. Kitchen, laundry, queen sized bed plus fold out double couch in lounge. Free WiFi and Netflix. Own entrance. Find us on Facebook.
Rammed earth cottage, 2x1, nestled amongst bushland. Well located, short walk to Studio Gallery Bistro, two-minute drive to Caves House. Beaches, galleries, wineries and restaurants close by. Sleeps six. No dogs. stayz.com.au (property 136151) Kirsty: 0419 927 660
Email 50 words or fewer to editor@sstuwa.org.au along with your union membership number.
Classifieds
Tranquillity Counselling, Psychotherapy and Career Development
I provide holistic, confidential practical counselling to help you deal with an array of issues, some being: general relationship, mental health, anger issues/management, anxiety, depression, self-harm, grief and trauma, addiction, abuse, palliative care. Milica Robinson, MCnsig&Psychthpy, GradCertCareerDev, BEd. 0422 358 187
Retirement coach
Are you recently retired or retiring soon? You probably have a financial plan in place but developing a plan for the non-financial side of retirement can be as important as preparing financially. I offer support and guidance for the transition from work to retirement, helping you to find purpose and meaning in retirement. Contact me to arrange an obligation free chat. retirementcoaching01@gmail.com
Marriage celebrant
Marriage celebrant with 12 years of experience, working in the Peel, South West and Perth areas. Specialising in creating personalised ceremonies for couples at their chosen wedding location. I’d love to help you plan your special day!
Meridith: 0400 312 535 meri.lake4@gmail.com
Marriage celebrant
Heart Centered Ceremonies for couples wanting a personalised wedding. Lee will help you design your dream wedding – a memorable occasion. Mention this ad to receive a discount.
Lee: 0404 655 567 leehalligancelebrant.com.au
Marriage celebrant
Experienced professional celebrant available, all areas. Formal or informal, large or small weddings. A Beautiful Ceremony will help you design an unforgettable and uniquely personal ceremony.
Mary: 0418 906 391 maryburke40@hotmail.com
Funeral celebrant
I am an experienced funeral celebrant. It will be my honour to assist you in the cocreation and presentation of a ceremony that serves to honour your loved one, by revealing their essence through a uniquely constructed and presented combination of spoken word, rituals, symbols, audio and visual displays.
0449 075 001
Kc.fcelebrant@gmail.com
Learn to social dance
Learn jive, waltz, rumba, samba, tango and other dances for social events (ball, wedding, cruise, etc). A fun and easy course with quality instruction. Join with or without a partner. Melville (LeisureFit) Recreation Centre. Mondays 7.30-9pm. $118/8 weeks. Beginners’ course held every term. Term 1 2025 starts Monday 10 February. Stan: 9330 6737 | stan@stansdancing.com
First aid training for students
St John Ambulance WA offers free first aid training to all school aged students, ranging from Triple 000 Hero for Kindergarten students to Road Trauma First Aid for secondary school students. Courses are curriculum mapped. (08) 9334 1259 youth@stjohnambulance.com.au
Messines Bee Farm Incursions
Book for 2025 before 15 December and receive 2024 prices! No payment needed until day of incursion. Four bee/ sustainability themed incursions for primary, K - 6. Play based, engaging, hands on, live bees, honey tasting. messines.com.au workshops@messines.com.au
Road safety education for schools
RAC offers free curriculum aligned road safety workshops and online resources for primary schools (pre-primary to Year 6) and secondary schools (Years 10 to 12), covering a range of road safety topics designed to keep young people safe on and around the roads. (08) 9436 4471 | rac.com.au/education communityeducation@rac.com.au
Jump Rope for Heart
Looking for a ready-to-use program for your health and physical education plan? The Heart Foundation’s five-week Jump Rope for Heart program is just what you need! This easy-to-run primary school program, supported by an online teacher portal full of helpful resources, makes incorporating skipping into your school’s activities a breeze. It inspires kids to move more, have fun and develop heart-healthy habits, all while raising funds to save Aussie hearts. Discover how you can support your students in becoming Heart Heroes at jumprope.org.au
MAWA
The Mathematical Association of Western Australia offers professional learning opportunities, conferences and consultancy services to teachers and schools and networks. MAWA members receive 10 per cent discount on MAWA shop resources. For more information: mawainc.org.au 9345 0388 | eo@mawainc.org.au
Macramé is the new yoga
I'm a teacher running small group macramé classes in a cosy home studio. Join me and discover the power of mindfulness as you learn to engage your mind and your hands in a fun supportive environment. It's a powerful way to calm a busy mind.
marcia@knotinlove.com.au
Rainbow Reading (New Heights)
Rainbow Reading supports struggling readers, including neurodiverse, delayed, or new English learners, without changing school programs, instead, adding to support. The Reading pen motivates, while activities help students catch up on missed reading and comprehension. Need support with group work or extra reading mileage? Rainbow Reading has effective solutions. rainbowreading.com.au Di: 0407 490 253
Noticeboard
Retired teachers
The next meeting of the Retired Teachers’ Association of the SSTUWA will be Wednesday 26 February at 10am at the SSTUWA premises. All retired members are welcome.
Stay in touch: Join the RTA Facebook Group – search “Retired Teachers’ Association of the SSTUWA”.
National Apology Day anniversary 13 February
On 13 February 2008, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and Indigenous assimilation. This landmark moment is remembered every year on 13 February as an important step in the process of reconciliation. For more information and classroom resources visit: bit.ly/3pEJO9p
Harmony Week 2025
Harmony Week runs in WA 15-21 March 2025 and is the state’s weeklong celebration and recognition of our cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic diversity. A kit is available to give ideas on celebrations for communities, organisations and schools. Webbased educational resources are also available to enable school students and their teachers to do practical classroom activities that explore and raise awareness of issues related to multiculturalism, human rights, racism and discrimination. To access visit harmony.gov.au and bit.ly/2ObzYwq
State Council Conference
June 2025 State Council Conference will be held on 13-14 June. Items must be received by 11 April.
November 2025 State Council Conference will be held on 14-15 November. Items must be received by 19 September.
The first round of nominations for delegates opened on 22 January, and the term of office is for a two-year period. More information is available at sstuwa.org.au/GO25 and within the Getting Organised 2025 booklet.
World Day of Social Justice
20 February
This day has been mandated by the United Nations since 2007 to recognise the need to promote social justice by tackling poverty, gender inequality, exclusion, unemployment and pursuing human rights and social protections. For more information visit: bit.ly/3oCAfZ3
Research and studies
Did you know we have an extensive collection of research and studies on our website?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee Time: 4pm
2025 dates TBC
School Leaders Committee
2025 dates TBC
TAFE Committee
2025 dates TBC
Getting Organised 2025
Building the branch
The Getting Organised 2025 pack will assist and support you to organise the SSTUWA school/college branch at your worksite and nominate for State Council Conference and union committees.
The elections covered are: Branch office bearers State Council Conference Union committees
Find information, election notices, nomination forms and more in the eNews sent to all members on 22 January or at sstuwa.org.au/GO25
In line with the union’s sustainability goals the SSTUWA has made Getting Organised a predominantly online publication this year. One printed copy has been sent to each worksite, to the attention of the SSTUWA representative.
