Staff Cuts at the Department of Education and Communities

“Yesterday, May 31, The NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC) began the gutting of support for schools as part of the controversial Local Schools Local Decisions policy”, the President of the NSW Teachers Federation revealed today.

It is estimated that over 200 positions that currently deliver support for schools in curriculum, student equity and professional development have been axed.

These cuts were revealed to the staff affected at meetings held by the Department on May 31 but called at short notice.

As with Local Schools Local Decisions the NSW DEC continues to act in secrecy. It is refusing to reveal the details or rationale behind the cuts other than to describe it on the DET internal intranet site as a ‘schools portfolio realignment’.

In an attempt to hide the extent of the cuts and the loss of student services from the community of NSW, the DEC has failed to make any public announcements.

“The Federation is deeply concerned for the levels of support that will now be denied our schools, our principals and staff and our students. These cuts are only the first of many that can be expected under Local Schools Local Decisions”, said Mr Mulheron.