Special Education Support

A meeting on Monday 30 November 2009 involving representatives of the Primary Principals' Association, Secondary Principals' Council, Public Service Association, NSW Teachers Federation, DET and the Ministry of Education decided that the proposed trial in the Illawarra and South East Region would be postponed.

It was also decided that a representative working group would be established in Term 1 2010 to consider possible changes which may then be subject to a trial later in 2010.

Opportunities for extensive consultation with all staff (including School Learning Support Officers) will continue and be expanded; the feedback will inform the working group's deliberations. While the Federation has agreed to participate in these processes, we have not agreed to any outcomes other than the possibility of a trial later in 2010.

In relation to the proposed trial in the Illawarra & South East Region, please note the following:

• In agreeing to the trial in one DET region, the Federation was determined to limit the extent of the trial and to prevent either the reality or perception of phased implementation of the DET proposals. The alternative was state-wide implementation in 2010.
• The Federation does not accept that these proposals will inevitably be implemented across the State in 2011 or beyond.
• Agreement to a trial does not mean that the Federation has relinquished either its opposition to the DET proposals or the capacity to take appropriate action on issues covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.
• Similarly, agreeing to a trial does not mean that the provisions of the current Crown Employees (Teachers) Award are not still relevant. Specifically, Clause 27 states: "The Director General.....may direct an employee to carry out such duties as are within the limits of the employee's skill, competence and training....." This is particularly important in relation to matters of Health and Safety, as Clause 27.3 states that the Director General has a responsibility "to provide a safe and healthy working environment".
• In negotiating the trial with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Federation has insisted on representation and active participation in genuine processes of consultation and evaluation. Until recently, the DET had not specifically consulted Support Teachers (and others) directly affected by the proposals. At our request those teachers are now being provided with information and an opportunity to raise issues of concern. That process will continue.