“That ICPA Qld lobbies the Department of Education Queensland to include greater, and more specific allowances and inclusions under the Recognition of Rural and Remote Services Scheme (RoRRS) to better financially support those teaching and living in rural and remote areas.”
Educators who undertake positions in rural and remote areas are subjected to far greater personal costs due to isolated localities. There appears to be no attractive, or substantial incentives for anyone to leave metropolitan or regional areas. Any uptake to rural or remote areas is generally short term, as these costs are generally not understood until they are living it, and they quickly realise how out of pocket they become. The practical and logistical challenges faced, without appropriate and proportional financial support, often leads to high staff turnover, or general deterrence from taking up advertised positions in these settings. We acknowledge the current three level payment system in place being the Recognition of Location, Recognition of Service, and Locality Allowance, however these fall short of providing an exciting and stimulating package that entices people to remain in rural locations long term. Where a school is not attached to a township, and is the only landmark of its area, for example in our central area,
Valkyrie, Clarke Creek, Kilcummin and Mistake Creek, staff have significant travel to get groceries (anywhere from 50 to nearly 200 kilometres in one direction) greater internet and phone costs due to limited coverage and increase of use for entertainment. Also, higher electricity bills from running water pumps, or generators. When they are finally able to get their groceries, the cost is far higher due to limited availability, a small independent grocer, and no other alternative. These members of staff also travel great
distances to undertake any social or personal endeavours, which if they choose not to pursue due to cost, quickly leads to their own isolation, dissatisfaction and ultimate departure. Likewise, those positioned in small rural or remote towns, also have higher costs of living as the cost of limited supplies in those localities is at inflated prices with no alternative and significant distances to the next regional city, such as Clermont, Alpha, Julia Creek, Tambo, Cunnamulla, essentially any township without a major supermarket relying on smaller independent grocers.
Greater financial provision under the RoRRs Scheme needs to be explored by the DoE to attract and retain staff to rural and remote areas, so they are not financially disadvantaged or deterred. Suggestions of additional support would be:-
- Substantial financial increase to the Recognition of Travel payment (listed annually, paid fortnightly) to more accurately reflect the great distances travelled by road for groceries, appointments etc.
- Substantial financial increase to the Recognition of Service payment (listed annually, paid fortnightly, increasing with subsequent years of service) to contribute to other necessary but increased costs such as exorbitant groceries, phone and internet, car and tyre servicing, mental health and wellbeing (attending appointments other than medical).
