Remote Kimberley schools’ staffing pressures to be eased with $12m boost

Fifteen public schools in the Kimberley are set to reap the benefits of a $12.4 million initiative aimed at retaining and attracting teachers to remote and regional WA. Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery announced the temporary scheme this month, which will see a one-off payment offered to both new and existing teachers and school leaders at 48 public schools in remote and regional WA. Payments will vary from $5000 to $17,000, depending on location, with a percentage paid upon commencement of employment and the remainder paid to those who remain for the duration of 2023. Eligible teachers will be able to receive payments on top of existing incentives. This means some could receive up to $30,000 in addition to their annual salary. Kimberley public schools under the framework are Bayulu, Dawul, Djugerari, Jungdranung, Kalumburu, La Grange, Looma, Muludja, One Arm Point and Wananami, along with Broome Senior, Derby District, East Kimberley College, Fitzroy Valley District and Halls Creek District high schools. Ms Ellery said the 48 schools chosen were those most likely to be impacted by any teacher shortfall in 2023. “Attracting and retaining teachers is essential to ensure that every Western Australian student has access to a high-quality education, regardless of location,” she said. “Our $12.4 million investment will help those remote and regional schools finding it more challenging to attract and retain teachers for 2023 to ensure they start the school year with a teacher in front of every class and there is continuity of teaching and learning programs.”