Almost 100 preschool teachers in South Australia will be made permanent starting next year, marking a significant boost for job security in the sector. This increase surpasses the total number of permanent conversions in the past decade, reflecting the Malinauskas Labor Government’s commitment to enhancing employment stability for teachers across the state.
Over the past three years, more than 1,800 contract teachers have been transitioned into permanent roles—a sharp rise compared to the annual average of just 199 conversions between 2017 and 2022.
The move comes as demand for preschool teachers is set to grow. This increase is linked to the state government’s implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations for Early Childhood Education and Care, including the introduction of preschool programs for three-year-olds. These programs, set to roll out across government sites starting in 2026, aim to improve early childhood development and reduce the number of South Australian children who are developmentally vulnerable when they begin school.
The Malinauskas Government has prioritized teacher workforce stability, aiming to make teaching a more attractive and secure profession. Alongside the permanency boost, the state has made significant progress in addressing teacher shortages. Currently, there are just 44 teacher vacancies in South Australia, down from 60 at the start of 2024, and far fewer than the 86 vacancies at the beginning of 2022. This stands in stark contrast to the over 3,175 teaching vacancies currently advertised in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
As part of this effort, the state government is also working with principal associations to develop a proposal for leadership roles in schools and preschools. This proposal, expected to go to consultation early next year, includes extending the tenure of most school and preschool leaders from five to ten years, with streamlined processes for contract renewals.
Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, emphasized the government’s focus on making teaching more rewarding. “We are investing in pay rises, increasing permanency, reducing workloads, and providing mentoring for early career teachers. Teachers do incredible work, and it’s only right that we better support them,” he said.
The impact of these changes will be far-reaching, offering long-term benefits for future generations of South Australians. Annette Browne, Director of St Helen’s Park Kindergarten, welcomed the move, noting that it would help retain experienced staff and create a stable, connected workforce. “Our families value stability and connection, and this move to permanency supports that,” Browne said.
With these efforts, South Australia is positioning itself to maintain a strong, stable teaching workforce for years to come.
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