Proposed Amendments to Education Bill to Enhance Flexibility for Charter Schools

Mr. Seymour explained that multi-employer collective agreements could reduce charter school sponsors’ influence over employment terms, potentially limiting the flexibility in teaching and other school operations.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today that proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will grant charter schools greater flexibility in negotiating employment agreements and accessing teaching resources.

“Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment preventing unions from initiating multi-employer collective agreement bargaining for charter school staff. Unions will still be able to engage in single employer collective agreement bargaining, allowing charter schools independence to negotiate employment terms and conditions relevant to their school,” Mr. Seymour stated.

“Charter schools aim to improve student outcomes. Flexibility is crucial as it fosters innovation and choice in education, meeting students' needs and expectations, and enhancing education quality.”

Mr. Seymour explained that multi-employer collective agreements could reduce charter school sponsors’ influence over employment terms, potentially limiting the flexibility in teaching and other school operations.

“It is in everyone's best interests for charter school sponsors to focus on delivering impactful education for students rather than negotiating new multi-employer agreements. In many cases, charter schools are likely to offer more desirable employment conditions than state schools as they compete to attract and retain the best teachers,” Mr. Seymour added.

The proposed changes will also ensure charter schools have access to the same level of teaching resources as state schools, including specialist services like resource teachers and technology education.

“Parents can be assured that if they choose to enrol their children in a charter school, or if their current state school converts to a charter school, their child’s education will have the same resources available but with fewer restrictions,” Mr. Seymour emphasized.

“One of the many advantages of charter schools is their ability to innovate, teach, and design curriculum freely, catering to different learning needs and styles. Charter schools will create meaningful change in students’ lives by providing new and diverse learning options suited to their needs.”