AEU welcomes Commonwealth Practice Payments but urges more must be done
The Australian Education Union (AEU) has welcomed the announcement today of the Commonwealth Practice Payments, proposed to address the widespread issue of “placement poverty” and provide financial support to students during their practical placements in higher education and vocational sectors.
Although the payments will provide much-needed aid to University and TAFE students across the country looking to become teachers, the AEU believes that more must be done by the government to address the significant dropout rates from these degrees. Alarmingly, 20% of graduates will also leave in the first three years of entering the workforce[1], due to mounting pressures including increased workload, class sizes and contact-hours.
“We welcome the establishment of paid practicums for teaching students as announced by the Commonwealth Government today,” said AEU Federal President, Correna Haythorpe.
“For too long students have carried the financial burden of their practicums, often having to give up part time work and experiencing placement poverty for weeks on end while finishing their studies.”
“Australia is experiencing a chronic teacher shortage and one of the key issues has been attracting new students into Initial Teacher Education.”
“With half of students not completing their teaching degree this measure[2] will help to not only attract students but also financially support them to complete their studies to be a teacher. That will be life changing for many students.”
“As part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan discussions, the AEU raised the critical issue of attraction and retention and in particular the importance of paid internships and paid practicums.”
“We are very pleased to see this announcement by the Albanese Government today as it is a first step towards building a strong teaching profession. However much more needs to be done, including addressing chronic workloads, fully funded professional development and mentoring programs to support teachers as they begin theirprofession.”
“More support can be provided to the teaching workforce by the government coming through on their promise of full-funding for every child across Australia. Full-funding would allow for smaller class sizes and increased support staff numbers in classrooms, reducing the immense pressure felt by teachers and trainee teachers across the country and working to address the teacher shortage we are currently facing”.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Meriel Killeen
0466 393 485
Melissa Van Der Haak
0484 674 958
[1] https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/interview-abc-news-breakfast-3
[2] https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/interview-abc-news-breakfast-3
