- Cook Labor Government strengthening support for school principals, providing more choice and targeted wellbeing initiatives
- Additional support for school leaders - particularly in regional and remote WA - builds on the Principal Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-27
- New Regional Education Strategy launched to boost learning, enhance pathways in regional schools, and attract and retain quality teachers, leaders and support staff
- Strong focus on education and employment opportunities and student wellbeing in six education regions
The Cook Labor Government will strengthen wellbeing supports for school leaders, investing $1.62 million in targeted funding each year to give principals more choice to access the assistance they need.
The boost to principal wellbeing support is part of a new State-wide strategy to complement existing supports available to school leaders. It will have a particular focus on strengthening supports for principals of regional schools, as well as those in smaller schools which are often the most isolated.
Guided by a review of existing services, consultation and feedback to better understand principals' needs, the new approach will provide the extra wellbeing support to principals from term 1, 2026.
The new principal wellbeing support measures include:
- providing up to $4,000 in targeted funding to each school per calendar year, depending on size and location of the school, that will assist principals to purchase wellbeing supports that are independent and tailored to their needs;
- establishing a panel of wellbeing service providers through an open tender process;
- appointment of a dedicated wellbeing coordinator;
- doubling the number of counselling sessions available to principals and providing direct access to mediation services; and
- a renewed focus on outreach support for new principals and check-ins following critical incidents.
The new targeted initiatives expand on the Principal health and wellbeing strategy 2023-2027, which was shaped by focus groups and aims to give principals better support.
The increase in support for school leaders is included in a new Regional Education Strategy launched by Education Minister Sabine Winton in Kalgoorlie today.
The blueprint outlines a fresh approach to delivering high-quality education programs and student wellbeing initiatives in more than 300 schools across regional and remote WA.
The strategy will further enhance the attraction and retention of quality teachers, leaders and support staff, while providing better access to a broad range of curriculum, including specialist subjects for students.
Developed after extensive community consultation, the strategy will help to ensure students in regional schools have equitable educational opportunities to achieve their potential and put them on a pathway to a successful future - no matter where they live.
The strategy is focused on six education regions - Goldfields, Kimberley, Mid West, Pilbara, South West and Wheatbelt - which are home to more than 300 of the State's more than 800 public schools.
It will help build regional workforces, strengthen support for student wellbeing and develop community partnerships to create lifelong opportunity, while playing a role in developing future regional leaders.
Schools and regional education directors will work closely with industry to create employment pathways for students and identify key focus areas of future work to meet local circumstances.
Quality teaching and learning, including more On-Country learning, that relates to local contexts and future post school opportunities are critical elements of the strategy.
The Regional Education Strategy is available at: www.education.wa.edu.au/regionaleducationstrategy
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to delivering a high-quality education to every young Western Australian, no matter where they live.
"We want students in our regions to have access to the supports they need, so that when they finish school, they are well equipped and confident to take the next step in their lives - whatever that may be.
"School leaders play a vital role in the success of our schools and shaping positive learning experiences for every student.
"It's important the right support services are available for our dedicated and highly capable principals, who navigate dynamic and complex environments every day.
"This is particularly true in our regional, remote and small schools, where excellent leadership can have an outsized impact on staff retention and student outcomes.
"Backed by a comprehensive review, this new approach will further improve health and wellbeing outcomes by supporting principals to access the supports they need."
