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‘ Valued ’
More full-time spots for NSW teachers .
By Eleanor Campbell
More than 5000 temporary and casual staff across NSW have accepted permanent teaching roles since April , according to official data .
The state education department said 5,463 temporary teachers and support staff at 982 schools have converted to fulltime since Labor ’ s election earlier this year .
The move is part of a phased rollout that
aims to offer 16,000 teachers full-time roles by the end of Term 4 .
According to the government , schools with a large proportion of high-needs students and under-serviced communities have been prioritised .
Merrylands Highschool teacher Anthony Kewin said his new permanent role has allowed him to purchase his first property and make long-term plans for his life .
“ I love coming in and working hard every day for the kids ,” he said .
“ Knowing I ’ m valued and a part of the school community is an amazing feeling .”
Staff eligible for the offer must have been working in their current school for at least three years .
Teachers who accepted offers by the end of May are expected to have their first day of full-time work at the beginning of Term 3 .
All other permanent appointments under the program are “ anticipated to be in place by the start of the 2024 school year .”
A total of 2,172 permanent teaching positions were vacant in NSW public schools in February , according to figures from the education department .
The previous state government ’ s $ 14 million dollar Recruitment Beyond NSW project was scrapped in April after it was revealed that the project hired just 13 new educators .
The new state government is anticipated to face increased challenges in recruiting and retaining new teachers .
Recent state department figures showed that 1854 permanent teachers walked away from their jobs last year , up from 929 in 2020 . ■
‘ Step towards justice ’
Victoria launches inquiry into school child abuse
By NCA NewsWire
The Victorian government has unveiled plans to hold a public inquiry into historical sexual abuse perpetrated by staff at Beaumaris Primary School and other government schools .
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced eminent lawyer Kathleen Foley SC would chair a board of inquiry
to investigate cases of abuse dating to the 1960s and 1970s .
“ Children should feel their safest at school – not be subject to harrowing abuse at the hands of teachers they trust ,” Mr Andrews said .
“ This inquiry won ’ t undo their pain , but we hope it gives victim-survivors the recognition and support they deserve .”
Mr Andrews said the circumstances at Beaumaris Primary School at the time were unique , with multiple predators at the school .
“ This is principally a truth-telling process and one that is about providing people with that certainty that they are heard , they are believed ,” he told reporters .
“ That is an important part of healing , it ’ s an important part of justice .”
The move follows victims of sexual abuse at the school advocating for a forum to share their stories after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse .
The independent inquiry will hear evidence from survivors about abuse from three staff members at Beaumaris Primary School more than five decades ago as well as abuse from the same staff members at other government schools . The board will not investigate current staff at the school .
Former student Tim Courtney said his abuse had a significant impact on his life , but the decision to hold a public inquiry had given him the courage to speak up .
“ I think it was a long time coming but I really appreciate the courage the government has shown ,” he said .
“ This is the first time I ’ ve spoken publicly about what happened to me and I ’ m happy to stand here today .” ■
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