Up to 600 cleaners across schools in the Hunter and Central Coast will be offered permanent roles in the NSW Department of Education - the first time in 30 years that any school cleaning service has been in public hands.
Hunter and Central Coast cleaners currently working under the whole-of-government cleaning contracts will be supported to move into these roles through a simple and straightforward recruitment process, recognising the skills and experience they already bring to the role.
From 1 January 2026, the NSW Department of Education will manage whole-of-government cleaning services.
As a result, the Department is offering around 600 secure, flexible, permanent cleaning jobs in the schools.
These reforms follow the Minns Labor Government's election commitment to review school cleaning contracts.
The review was prompted by concerns about the consistency and reliability of cleaning standards in schools as well as working conditions of cleaners.
Under the reform, responsibility for managing the whole-of-Government cleaning contracts will transfer from NSW Public Works to the Department of Education, which will lead cleaning arrangements on behalf of participating NSW Government agencies.
Tailored cleaning specifications will be developed to better reflect the unique operational needs of schools, ensuring critical areas such as toilets, receive appropriate attention and frequency of service.
Specialist cleaning, such as carpet cleaning or high-access window cleaning, will be contracted separately, creating greater opportunities for local businesses, particularly in regional NSW.
Currently, about 7,000 cleaners are employed under the whole-of-Government cleaning contract, with the Department of Education and TAFE accounting for approximately 85% of its value.
The reforms will also apply to other government sites covered by the current arrangements.
For other prospective workers interested in joining the Department, new cleaning team opportunities will be advertised on the I Work for NSW website from October 2025.
As part of the Department's management of whole-of-government cleaning services, contracts will be negotiated in regions across NSW, excluding the Hunter and Central Coast.
These contracts will be managed to support fair employment and workforce conditions for cleaning staff.
Cleaners play a vital role in maintaining safe, hygienic, and welcoming spaces for local communities to work and learn in.
Strengthening job security and conditions recognises the value of cleaners' contributions.
For the remainder of schools, TAFEs and participating entities, new cleaning contracts will be established to drive improved cleaning outcomes, higher hygiene standards, stronger employee protections and conditions, and clearer oversight and accountability.
Acting Minister for Education Courtney Houssos said:
"This is an historic moment. For the first time in 30 years, we have school cleaners being offered work in the public service.
"Keeping our schools clean and hygienic is a massive undertaking, and our school cleaners deserve respect, fair pay, and secure jobs. This is great news for people living in the Hunter and the Central Coast who are looking for secure NSW government jobs with flexible hours.
"The decision to bring government cleaning services in-house in the Hunter and Central Coast delivers on our election commitment to review school cleaning arrangements.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"This is a huge win for the local workers who help keep our schools running.
"For the first time in many years, cleaners will be given the respect and job security they deserve and in turn, it will ensure our students have clean learning environments.
"The Union movement has been campaigning for this change for years and I am incredibly proud that the Minns Labor Government has listened and more importantly, acted."
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
"It is fantastic that hundreds of school cleaners on the Central Coast and Hunter will have the security and associated benefits of permanent employment for the important work they do.
"As a former primary school principal, I'm all too aware of the critical role cleaners play in the day-to-day running of schools and helping ensure they are best equipped as places of learning for our next generation."
UWU State Secretary Mel Gatfield UWU State Secretary said:
"United Workers Union members are excited about the recruitment process starting in the Hunter and Central Coast, marking an important step towards cleaners being recognised as valued employees for the communities they serve.
"The United Workers Union is committed to supporting the Hunter Central Coast cleaners throughout this application process and will be available to provide guidance and assistance to anyone seeking help."
