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Education Minister Jason Clare during a visit to his former primary school , Cabramatta Public School in Sydney ’ s West . Photo : John Feder / The Australian
There aren ’ t many professions more important than a teacher .
and increasing trade union powers in the workplace .
New era begins
Jason Clare appointed as Australia ’ s new federal education minister .
By Eleanor Campbell
In an unexpected turn , senior NSW MP Jason Clare has been chosen as the new Education Minister over frontrunner Tanya Plibersek , heralding a new era in education policy .
The former lawyer previously served in the Gillard and Rudd governments , handling justice , home affairs and defence portfolios .
Clare was first elected to the NSW seat of Blaxland in 2007 and has since been reelected four times .
He rose to prominence during the 2022 election after becoming Labor ’ s party spokesperson after Anthony Albanese tested positive for COVID-19 .
His two-week takeover drew widespread bipartisan media attention for his “ good looks ” and “ bang-on roasts ”.
“ The Coalition MPs are all in witness protection , and where is Alan Tudge ?” Clare joked during an April press conference .
Born and raised in Western Sydney , Clare attended Cabramatta Primary School and later graduated as dux from Canley Vale High .
The now 50-year-old went on to study law at UNSW and has been a vocal advocate for equitable access to education .
“ If we get the right education for our kids , then they go on to great careers and will be able to raise families , buy a house and have a successful life ,” he told SBS in 2019 .
As the new education minister , Clare will be overseeing Labor ’ s $ 147 million-dollar plan to fund teaching degrees for 5,000 high-achieving students .
The program , one of Labor ’ s headlining education policies , is expected to be rolled over the next four years .
Speaking to the ABC in May , the father of two said that a nationwide teacher shortage was one of the biggest issues currently facing Australian schools .
“ There aren ’ t many professions more important than a teacher ,” he said .
“ I think we can all think of a teacher that shaped our life , changed our life .
“ These financial payments are about encouraging more people to become teachers , because the evidence from the UK , the work that Grattan Institute has done , is that if you can get our best and brightest to become teachers , then it flows on .”
Clare is a member of Labor ’ s right faction , and has voted in favour of samesex marriage , more funding for education
SECTOR REACTS The new ministerial line-up was met with widespread approval across the K-12 education sector .
Australian Education Union president Correna Haythorpe said proper funding for public schools was “ critically important ” to fulfil Labor ’ s vision .
“ We look forward to a collaborative and productive working relationship with the Albanese government ,” she said .
“ We expect the new Minister to lay out a clear timetable for the new government to fulfil their promise of fair and full funding for public schools and look forward to working together to deliver it .”
The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia ( AHISA ) said the changes “ lend significant ministerial weight to a raft of issues in education ”.
“ Minister Clare ’ s biography highlights that his belief in Australia ’ s education system as ‘ the most powerful cause for good in this country ’ was a key driver of his entry into politics ,” said AHISA ’ s chief executive Beth Blackwood .
“ Educators are also motivated by the difference they can make in the lives of their students , and we look forward to working with the new Minister .”
Australia ’ s peak Catholic education body , the National Catholic Education Commission ( NAC ), also welcomed the news .
“ I congratulate Minister Clare on his appointment and look forward to working with him , the Assistant Minister for Education , Senator Anthony Chisholm , and the new Labor government to support Catholic schools as a genuine and affordable choice for Australian families ,” said NAC executive director Jacinta Collins .
Prime Minister Anthony Alabanese addressed his new cabinet and ministers at the first federal caucus since Labor secured the federal election , saying “ we have an overflow of talent on our side of the parliament ”. ■
6 | educationreview . com . au