Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA has called for greater support for teachers in the region amid concerns of welfare across the State, saying their important role in shaping future generations demands greater respect.
“Our teachers play one of the most important roles in society, helping usher in the next generation to become our future leaders,” Ms Warr said.
“At the moment, our teachers aren’t feeling supported in their roles. They love the job but the demands have become too great and they are at their limits in terms of stress and burnout.
“We’re losing our educators as a result, and something needs to change.”
Ms Warr said a greater investment toward education support would go a long way to assisting.
“Greater emphasis needs to be placed on supporting our teachers, especially in our complex classrooms,” she said.
“Investment to boost education assistants, which our region is lacking, and boosting our education support centres would go a long way to supporting our teachers.
“Attraction and retention has always been a challenge for regional schools, but when a lack of support is present, this task becomes even more difficult.”
Meanwhile, Ms Warr questioned what the State Government’s infrastructure announcement meant for Geraldton, given the schools mentioned had been promised funding at the 2025 election.
“The Cook Labor Government has a track record of making statements on projects they’ve already announced as if to make it new again,” she said.
“Funding had already been promised for Champion Bay Senior High School and Geraldton Senior High School, so what in the funding is new for Geraldton?
“There are a number of schools within the electorate who have requested much needed support, but we’ve heard nothing from the State Government on these issues.”