Page 1480 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 26 September 1989
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Teacher Transfers
Mr Moore asked the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education upon notice on 27 July 1989:
Is the Minister aware of an agreement reached last Saturday between the ACT Teachers Federation and the ACT Schools Authority providing for the forced transfer for two years of all secondary teachers who have been in their present position since 1976 in colleges? Is the Minister aware of the disruptive impact this may have on stability of staffing in some high schools and colleges where significant numbers of level 1 and level 2 teachers are to be compulsorily transferred at the beginning of 1990?
Mr Whalan: The following answer has been provided to Mr Moore's question:
The then ACT Schools Authority adopted the following policy on teacher mobility in 1987:
Because the system and teachers benefit from broad professional experience, teachers should not remain in one position indefinitely. Preferably, given appropriate qualifications and aptitudes, teachers should move across and within the sectors of the system: secondary college, high school, primary school, special school, preschool, education centre and office. In selection for transfer or promotion, suitability and merit are primary criteria but variety of experience will also be encouraged.
Within this context the ACT Department of Education and the ACT Teachers Federation have agreed on an initial strategy to make the policy operational to a greater extent.
With certain exemptions, for instance for those close to retirement, teachers in high schools and colleges who have been in their present positions since 1976 will be considered for temporary transfer for two years. However, the transfers will take effect in 1990 and 1991 to minimise disruption to schools in each year. The strategy is designed to ensure staff movement for its professional development and renewal potential. The process will be extended to other levels of schooling next year.
Bruce Stadium
Mr Whalan: On 26 July 1989, Mr Kaine asked me the following question:
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