Ms ANDERSON - 2010-08-12
Two former Ali Curung school teachers applied for numerous teaching jobs between 3 April and 17 November 2008. Your department had deemed them unsuitable for further employment but did not advise them of their status until November 2008. Recently, after many requests, these same teachers received notification they are now listed as suitable without being provided any explanation.
Considering the huge effect these seemingly random determinations have had on these teachers’ careers and lives, as minister shouldn’t you, at the very least, formally apologise for their treatment at the hands of your department?
Mr Westra van Holthe: No wonder we cannot keep teachers up here.
ANSWER
Actually, we have a full complement of teachers. There are very few vacancies, member for Katherine, so that is a positive thing.
Madam Speaker, in relation to the question asked by the member for Macdonnell, she raised the question here yesterday. I am not aware of the circumstances of this particular case, but I will take it on board to inquire and get back to the member for Macdonnell.
I can say we are very focused on having a quality teaching agenda within the Northern Territory. It is part of our strategy, and we are looking to recruit and retain the best teachers in Australia for our kids.
Considering the huge effect these seemingly random determinations have had on these teachers’ careers and lives, as minister shouldn’t you, at the very least, formally apologise for their treatment at the hands of your department?
Mr Westra van Holthe: No wonder we cannot keep teachers up here.
ANSWER
Actually, we have a full complement of teachers. There are very few vacancies, member for Katherine, so that is a positive thing.
Madam Speaker, in relation to the question asked by the member for Macdonnell, she raised the question here yesterday. I am not aware of the circumstances of this particular case, but I will take it on board to inquire and get back to the member for Macdonnell.
I can say we are very focused on having a quality teaching agenda within the Northern Territory. It is part of our strategy, and we are looking to recruit and retain the best teachers in Australia for our kids.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016