- More than $15 million funding to continue the Regional Attraction and Retention Incentive in 2024 to assist schools with staffing in regional and remote schools
- A total of 66 regional and remote schools delivering secondary education to benefit from the initiative, up from 48 last year
- Funding will continue the successful initiative rolled out in 2023
The Cook Government has allocated $15.49 million to assist more schools in regional and remote areas in 2024 with the recruitment and retention of staff.
Minister for Education Dr Tony Buti said the successful temporary Regional Attraction and Retention Incentive package – initially rolled out earlier this year – will now be applied to more schools next year. He said an additional 18 schools would be included, taking the total to 66 schools to benefit from the initiative.
The incentive supports schools to attract, recruit and retain teachers and school administrators to schools delivering secondary education in regional areas, by providing additional financial incentives.
Eligible staff members will receive between $5,000 and $17,000 for teachers and school administrators working in rural and remote public schools for the 2024 school year.
The incentive will be paid in two instalments. The first will be paid at the start of the 2024 school year, or when staff commence at the school if it is later in the year. The remaining balance will be paid to staff remaining at the school at the end of the 2024 school year.
In 2023, the temporary Regional Attraction and Retention Incentive was allocated to 48 regional and remote schools. These schools saw a significant reduction in teacher resignations by up to 75 per cent.
For 2024, an additional 18 schools will have access to the incentive, bringing it up to 66 schools who will benefit.
Comments attributed to Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“Schools in regional and remote areas face additional challenges when recruiting and retaining teachers, and this incentive will alleviate some of that pressure.
“I’m pleased to announce that the Cook Labor Government is not only continuing the Regional Attraction and Retention Incentive in 2024, but expanding it, so that an additional 18 schools delivering secondary education will have access.
“This significant investment will bring greater continuity for regional and remote students, their families, and the whole community.
“We have made this announcement well ahead of the 2024 school year, so that teachers and school administrators have time to consider their options for the new year, and apply for vacant positions in regional and remote schools.
“We continue to look at other ways to build a pipeline, and attract qualified teachers for other schools, including education support settings.”
