In a major move to strengthen the preschool education sector, nearly 100 preschool teachers in South Australia will be made permanent starting next year, a significant increase compared to the past decade. This change is part of the Malinauskas Labor Government’s broader initiative to enhance job security for teachers and improve stability across the state’s education system.
The move to permanent positions follows a broader trend of increasing job security for teachers, with more than 1,800 contract teachers transitioned to permanent roles over the past three years. This marks a sharp contrast to previous years when only around 199 teachers were converted annually between 2017 and 2022. The increase in permanency is expected to play a crucial role in attracting and retaining quality educators, especially as the state’s education system faces growing demands.
With the South Australian Government preparing to implement the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, including the roll-out of preschool for three-year-olds, there is an anticipated surge in demand for qualified preschool teachers. The phased introduction of three-year-old preschool at government sites starting in 2026 is seen as a critical step in addressing developmental vulnerabilities in children before they begin school.
Blair Boyer, the Minister for Education, emphasized that the government is committed to making teaching a more attractive and rewarding profession. “It’s a priority of the Malinauskas Labor Government to make teaching a more attractive and rewarding profession,” Boyer said. “That is why we are making important investments to give teachers a pay rise, massively increase permanency, reduce workload, and support early career teachers with mentoring to prepare them for the classroom.”
The move towards increased permanency is a part of a wider effort to improve the teaching workforce in South Australia, ensuring that the profession remains stable and competitive, particularly in the face of teacher shortages seen in other states. Currently, South Australia has just 44 teaching vacancies, a significant improvement from 60 vacancies earlier in the year, and even further down from the 86 vacancies at the beginning of 2022.
In contrast, other states such as Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland are grappling with much larger shortages, with over 3,175 teaching roles currently advertised. The South Australian government’s proactive steps to address teacher shortages have contributed to a stronger, more secure workforce in the state, which is vital for the ongoing development of its education system.
Additionally, a proposal is in the works to extend the tenure of school and preschool leaders from five years to 10 years, with a streamlined process for renewing contracts for effective leaders. This proposal will undergo a consultation process early next year with input from principal associations, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to providing stability in leadership roles across schools and preschools.
Annette Browne, the Director of St Helen’s Park Kindergarten, expressed her support for the changes, highlighting the long-term benefits for both staff and families. “I welcome this move to support and value our workforce,” Browne said. “This is an opportunity for us to retain professional, experienced staff, creating a stable, connected workforce not just for a family when different siblings attend the same site, but sometimes through generations.”
She added that the move would help foster strong relationships between educators and the communities they serve. “Our families value stability and connection; hence, this move to permanency supports the community in early childhood education.”
The increase in permanent teaching positions, along with other reforms aimed at improving job security and leadership stability, is expected to have a lasting impact on South Australia’s education system. As the state prepares for the challenges and opportunities presented by the expansion of early childhood education, the commitment to supporting the teaching workforce will ensure that future generations of South Australians benefit from high-quality, consistent education from their earliest years.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
