Katherine teachers will receive additional financial support to help secure housing and alleviate cost of living concerns from next year.
New teachers in Katherine will see an increase in their relocation allowance from 10 fortnights to 15 fortnights in 2023.
Further, new and existing teachers will be awarded a $3500 retention payment per year to assist with housing. Teachers currently receiving the grandfathered subsidy will continue under current arrangements.
The payment will be made to all Katherine school-based educators in two instalments, at the end of each semester.
The Department of Education commissioned KPMG to conduct a review into the current Katherine Teacher Housing subsidy last year. In addition to the new financial support, the department has taken additional steps as outlined in the report, including:
working with other government agencies regarding continuing our current head leased properties;continuing the original housing subsidy for those who remain on the grandfathered scheme;adding lower-tiered teachers to the approved list of staff eligible for NT housing rental assistance.
The department has consulted with the Commissioner for Public Employment and their office, Department of Treasury and Finance and Australian Education Union on the new arrangements.
A review will be conducted in three years to assess the impact and success of the initiative.
Quotes from Minister for Education Eva Lawler
"The Territory Labor Government has listened to the teachers of Katherine and I am pleased to be able to announce this additional support.
"We value our teachers and we have heard their concerns. This support will make a considerable difference to those experiencing difficulties securing affordable housing and will help us to attract and retain high quality teachers in Katherine."
Northern Territory Government
