Education and Training

The most fundamental asset throughout the community, getting this portfolio ‘right’ is imperative if we are to move forward confidently further into this third millennium.

Restructuring this huge government department into a ‘flatter’ structure that effectively removes ‘management clogs’ and a huge waste of taxpayer funds is a key.

Middle managers who are working well in their positions will be elevated to the senior management team (to include the incumbent Minister). Each senior manager (with the exception of the Minister) will be directly responsible for a number of operational team members. They would report activity to each other in a two-way simplistic and meaningful manner with projected outcomes and associated time-lines for achieving them. Teachers, schools, parents, industry and communities in partnership can provide significant input and guidance into the processes.

This is only a suggestion. I will be guided through discussion and debate so that we get a positive mindset into this arena. Combining with the public Health industry is also an imperative factor – the links are obvious.

Education is one of the six areas of importance as detailed in the significant Territory 2030 Strategic Plan  developed over the last two years as a blueprint for securing the NT’s future over the next 20 years. The Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) released recently to build better communities for children researched almost a quarter of a million 4-5 year olds across Australia. The findings assert that 38.5% of NT children (the highest across Australia) are developmentally vulnerable on one domain and 23.3% (more than double the national average) on two or more domains. The Smart Territory Strategic Plan 2009-2012 also asserts that quality education and training programs are essential to our Territory’s future. Being a part of this roll-out is an exciting adventure I’m keen to undertake.

Having worked in education systems both public and private in capacities of teacher and more recently that of school counsellor, it is a clear passion of mine that has evolved over the past 30 years. I have a real understanding of the needs of those ‘on the ground and at the coal-face’ who work so hard in collaboration with others to build stronger educational outcomes for their students.