Regional Victoria is facing a teacher shortage crisis, with vacant positions nearly quadrupling since the start of the school year.
Despite only representing 20 per cent of Victoria’s population, regional areas make up 30 per cent of the vacant teaching positions, with hundreds of vacant teaching jobs listed in country towns across the state.
According to a Victorian Department of Education Supply and Demand report, the demand for teachers in Victoria is expected to reach a shortfall of about 5000 teachers by 2028, mainly due to a decrease in supply in the secondary education sector.
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said it was essential that shortages were addressed, to ensure children in regional areas have access to the best possible education.
“This Labor Government must address the declining teaching workforce in our regional communities,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Students in regional areas deserve to have access to a good education, and this is not possible without enough teachers.
“No student can achieve their best learning in over-crowded classrooms or by closing down schools.
“Despite claiming to have spent more than $1.6 billion since 2019 on workforce initiatives, the situation is getting worse and educational outcomes continue to fall for regional schools.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage our education system, and Victorian students are paying the price.”