More permanent Indigenous staff across NSW Department of Education workforce

Callan Morse Published February 7, 2024 at 3.15pm (AWST)

education

NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar. (Image: NSW Dept of Education/Twitter)

A new New South Wales government initiative has seen an increase in the number of permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teaching and support staff throughout NSW public schools.

182 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff have accepted permanent employment under the plan, which aims to move temporary staff into permanent roles.

The NSW government says the scheme will see Aboriginal students benefit from stability and connection in their schools.

Indigenous NSW Department of Education staff that have transitioned from temporary to permanent status include 90 Aboriginal Education Officers, 33 teachers, two Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers and 57 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in other support roles.

NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar, said the Department was committed to ensuring every student can learn, grow and belong at school through its NSW Plan for Public Education.

"A permanent position provides our Aboriginal educators and support staff with financial security and allows them to remain in their school as strong cultural support for our students," he said.

"This stability and connection will help drive improved outcomes for our Aboriginal students."

2843 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff employed throughout NSW public schools, with research suggesting Indigenous educators and support staff play a key role ensuring Aboriginal students feel culturally safe in their schools.

Mr Dizdar said Aboriginal students "cannot be what they cannot see".

"For our Aboriginal students, having Aboriginal leaders in their school as role models opens their eyes to the vast world of post-school opportunities," he said.

"We want all our schools to be safe and inclusive environments that celebrate the strength of our vibrant, diverse and multicultural communities."

The NSW Department of Education says in addition to supporting students in key areas of learning, culture and community, Indigenous teachers and support staff are role models for post-school transition and pathways.