- Cook Labor Government establishing a centralised hub to provide quality disability support training for principals, teachers and education assistants
- $15.7 million Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub to provide educators with practical tools and high-quality professional learning
- New hub forms part of WA's disability reform program and marks the release of new long-term vision for public education
- Additional school development day for 2027 to support access to disability training and align school planning priorities with new strategic plan
- Targeted learning and complex behaviour supports extended
The Cook Labor Government will establish a $15.7 million Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub, as part of a new package of initiatives designed to support schools, educators and students across Western Australia.
Funded as part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the new hub will equip principals, teachers and education assistants with the tools, training and support to better assist students with disability and complex needs.
The significant investment will create a centralised hub for high-quality disability training and professional learning, bringing together existing and new resources into one streamlined system for school staff, supporting long-term improvements across WA's public education sector.
The new hub forms part of the Cook Labor Government's broader disability reform program and also today marks the release of 'Our plan for public education in Western Australia' - the Department of Education's new long-term strategic plan to guide the future of public education across the State.
Launched today on Public Education Day the new strategic plan outlines clear system-wide priorities and actions to help ensure every student has opportunities to achieve their full potential, regardless of who they are or where they live.
To support implementation of the strategic plan, and strengthen access to disability training and professional learning, WA school staff will also gain an additional school development day in 2027 to align local planning priorities with the Department's long-term vision for public education.
The new Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub will play a key role in delivering the strategic plan's reforms across the State's public education system.
The hub will provide practical tools, evidence-based professional learning and targeted support to help strengthen inclusive classrooms and improve outcomes for students with disability, complex needs and diverse learning needs, reinforcing the Cook Labor Government's commitment to prioritising support for students with disability following a review of the School Education Act 1999.
Mandatory induction training for special needs education assistants will be delivered through the hub, alongside a mandatory disability module for graduate teachers, helping ensure educators are equipped with the skills and confidence to support every student.
Professional learning opportunities will also be available for school leaders and teachers State-wide, while dedicated work health and safety training for principals will support strong and safe leadership in public schools.
Funding has also been allocated for expert independent advisors to help guide delivery of the initiative, with development of professional learning and training to begin from July this year ahead of implementation in 2027. Importantly, the work will be informed by people with lived experience of disability.
The Cook Labor Government is also continuing to strengthen targeted support for students with complex needs, with funding allocated to continue both the Complex Behaviour Support Coordinator and Small Group Tuition initiatives in 2027.
Together, these initiatives represent a significant investment in supporting educators, strengthening inclusive learning environments and delivering better outcomes for students across Western Australia.
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Labor Government is backing our educators with the tools, training and support they need to help drive better outcomes for students across the State.
"We believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that means investing in the systems and supports that make inclusive education a reality in our classrooms.
"Western Australia's educators are among the very best, and establishing this new training hub will help to ensure principals, teachers and education assistants are supported to continue delivering for students with disability, their families and their carers.
"These initiatives will be key to delivering on priorities set out in the Department of Education's new strategic plan, which I'm proud to launch today as the new long-term vision for public education in Western Australia.
"At the centre of our successful public education system is our schools and education workforce, and our government is committed to supporting them to do their best work and create high-quality learning environments across the State."
