The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to invest in Territory children, with a $1.9 million boost in the 2025-26 Budget to expand school counselling services across the Northern Territory.
A new national recruitment campaign has been launched to attract qualified school counsellors and social workers from across Australia and New Zealand, inviting them to take their career to new Territory.
These dynamic roles will be based in urban and regional schools across the Territory, with successful candidates playing an important role supporting students, teachers, and families to achieve the best outcomes for children.
Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey said she is proud to be part of a government that is placing qualified school counsellors directly in schools that are properly resourced.
"Having qualified, properly resourced school counsellors based in schools, not offices, alongside our school attendance officers, means targeted support can be delivered to the children and their families, who need it most," said Mrs Hersey.
"We want to see kids supported throughout their education, finishing school and moving into meaningful employment.
"This is exactly what we committed to before the election, and we are now delivering it as part of our year of action, certainty and security."
To respond to national workforce shortages in allied health, the CLP Government has also expanded the eligibility criteria to attract more qualified professionals. Applicants with membership in the Australian Counselling Association, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, or Australian Community Counselling Association can now apply.
"We have expanded the Northern Territory Public Sector Qualifications Handbook to recognise professional counselling memberships, not just qualifications in social work," Mrs Hersey said.
"This change opens the door for more skilled professionals to take up these critical roles in our schools."
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online via the Join the Territory website here. Successful applicants will begin working in Territory schools from semester 2, 2025.
