Significant boost in special school support

• Crisafulli Government delivers dedicated Workplace Health and Safety Coordinators in special schools. 
• 30 new positions will improve safety and support teachers across Queensland’s 46 special schools, after a decade of neglect under Labor.
• Coordinators reduce administrative tasks that burden teachers and take away from teaching time, helping to meet a key election commitment.  
• Additional support is needed in special schools with data showing enrolments have increased by more than 38 percent since 2019.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering 30 full-time Health and Safety Coordinators to special schools to increase support, reduce red tape and stamp out occupational violence.  

All of Queensland’s 46 special schools will benefit from the staffing boost, which follows the announcement by the Crisafulli Government for an additional 140 Workplace Health and Safety Officers for all state schools over four years.  

New staff will work directly with principals and school leaders to improve safety, reduce behavioural incidents and foster a positive and safe school culture.  

As part of the Crisafulli Government’s election commitment to reduce red tape by 25 percent, teachers will be relieved of administrative tasks including risk assessments, return to work forms, and health and safety reports.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government allowed occupational violence and teacher WorkCover claims to skyrocket to more than $80 million in the 2023-24 financial year.  

The $21.9 billion Education Budget is delivering the $45 million Behaviour Boost, a nation-leading $33 million anti-bullying plan, and six new special schools to help meet enrolment demand, which has surged by more than 38 percent since 2019.  

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the recruitment process was already underway to ensure teachers receive more support sooner.  

“Every teacher, staff member and student deserves to feel safe in our schools and we’re boosting support with more boots on the ground,” Minister Langbroek said.  

“It’s unacceptable that a small number of students are doing the wrong thing and that’s why we’re backing our teachers with more support to stamp it out.  

“These positions will play a vital role in improving safety, but they’re also helping to reduce teacher workloads, which is particularly important in high-needs school environments. 

“We are committed to improving workplace conditions and cutting red tape for teachers and there will be more to come in both of these areas this year. 

“After a decade of chaos and crisis from the former Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government has a plan for Queensland’s future and that includes creating a world class education system for the next generation of Queenslanders.”  

Aspley Special School Principal Kath McDonald said having a Workplace Health and Safety Coordinator at the school is going to be an important role. 

“We will be able to implement a more proactive and consistent approach to managing risks which is complex and ongoing in a special school setting,” Principal McDonald said.