Attributable to Universities Australia acting chief executive Peter Chesworth:
Everyone should have access to a good education, regardless of where they live.
Encouraging more teachers to work in remote areas will ensure people living in those parts of our country can access the educational opportunities they deserve.
We welcome the broad parliamentary support for this initiative which provides a boost for our teachers while ensuring young people have a chance to get ahead, no matter what their postcode is.
While this is a positive step toward getting more teachers to the bush, Australia remains in the grip of a critical teacher shortage – from our capital cities to our regional and remote corners.
Universities will continue to work closely with government, unions, and industry to educate the next generation of high-quality teachers and set them up for a fulfilling career in which they can help shape the future of young people everywhere.
That is in the best interests of our teachers, the students they teach, and our nation.
