The WA Government has committed a further $8.4 million in 2025 to assist regional and remote schools with recruiting and retaining staff.
The Regional Attraction and Retention Incentive package was rolled out in 2023 as a temporary initiative.
Providing a further $8.4 million into 2025 enables the financial incentives offered to school staff to continue, which boosts the number of teachers and school administrators working in regional areas, said Education Minister, Tony Buti.
“Providing this financial incentive for another year is an important investment to help alleviate some of the additional pressure that schools in regional and remote areas face when recruiting and retaining teachers,” said Dr Buti.
“We are also working on a draft regional strategy and the implementation of the landmark $1.6 billion Better and Fairer Schools Agreement to further enhance the delivery of education cross WA.
“These initiatives are an important investment in supporting regional and remote schools to continue providing quality education, and enhancing career pathways for our talented workforce.”
Eligible staff members will receive up to $8,500 for teachers and school administrators working in designated rural and remote public schools.
The incentive will be paid in two instalments. The first will be paid at the start of the 2025 school year, or when staff commence at the school if it is later in the year. The remaining balance will be paid to staff remaining at the school at the end of the 2025 school year.
This investment takes the total funding for the Regional Attraction and Retention Incentive to $36.3 million.
This extension follows the State Government announcing the trial of two new initiatives to encourage teachers and some school administrators to work in regional schools across Western Australia.
Eligible teachers and aspiring school leaders can take up a three-year appointment at nominated regional schools with a right of return to their substantive position.
