“That ICPA Qld lobbies the Department of Education (DoE) to provide Teacher Relief Staff (TRS) servicing TR4–7 regional and remote schools, who travel more than 40 km from their principal place of residence, with a travel allowance at the ATO-approved rate of 88 cents per kilometre, to offset the cost of using a private vehicle.”
Teacher Relief Staff are essential for the effective operation of regional and remote schools, supporting teachers and ensuring students receive consistent quality education. In regional and remote areas TRS are increasingly difficult to attract and retain due to the significant distances many must travel.
They provide relief for Principals and teachers to attend professional development, attend to administration, access Non-Contact Time (NCT), or fill in if staff are absent due to illness or leave. They provide consistency and learning progress for students in the absence of regular staff.
With the increasing costs associated with long distance travel, often on unsealed roads, and the lack of wage increases, it has meant that it is not viable for many TRS to service regional and remote schools.
Currently a TRS servicing a regional/remote school (which could be a 200km or more, round trip) are renumerated the same for their day’s work teaching as someone who delivers their services in town. This is not equitable nor sustainable.
Providing a travel allowance for TRS who travel significant distances would help reduce this financial disincentive, improve the availability of relief staff in regional and remote schools, and support continued access to quality education for students in these communities.
