ACT Parents acknowledges that industrial action this Friday will impact many families, with all ACT public schools closed between 8:30 am and 10:30 am and no supervision of students available. Parents and carers will need to make alternative arrangements for work, supervision and transport, and a delayed school start is disruptive for households.
Parents and carers also understand why teachers and school staff are taking action. Families see the impact workforce shortages have on student learning every day, including split classes, difficulty accessing relief teachers, and reduced support for students who need it.
ACT Parents Executive Officer Veronica Elliott said parents and carers want a public education system that delivers consistent teaching, settled classrooms, and the supports students need to learn.
"Parents consistently tell us they want fewer split classes, more relief teachers, more Learning Support Assistants and sustainable staffing in schools," Ms Elliott said.
"Families can see staff working hard in challenging conditions, but they are frustrated by the frequency of learning disruption when schools cannot source relief teachers or adequately support students with additional needs."
Ms Elliott said ACT Parents supports ACT public school teachers and school staff in their calls for improved staffing, sustainable workloads and stronger support for students, because these measures directly improve learning conditions for students.
"Parents want schools to be properly staffed so students have a qualified teacher in front of them and their learning needs are met every day," she said.
"Safe, settled and well-supported learning environments benefit students, staff and families."
ACT Parents is calling on the ACT Government to invest in the public school workforce to reduce disruption to learning, strengthen support for students, and improve long-term outcomes for school communities.
"This shouldn't be a big ask. It's the bare minimum families expect from a public school system: teaching every day, consistent support, and equity of opportunity," Ms Elliott said.
Published: 22 May 2026
