Aubrey
Miles Government’s $288 Million Youth Engagement Education Reform
In a move set to transform the educational landscape, the Miles Government’s Youth Engagement Education Reform package, backed by a staggering $288 million, is gearing up to revolutionize youth education in Queensland.
At the heart of this initiative are two key game-changers.
Intensive Education Case Management Service: Nurturing Futures
Embarking on a $57 million journey, the recruitment drive for the Intensive Education Case Management Service has kicked off. This service, set to employ 78 specialists, targets state school students who face exclusion or suspension, ensuring they don’t fall through the cracks.
Education Minister Di Farmer emphasises the importance of structured, safe environments, reducing the likelihood of anti-social or criminal behaviour.
Court Liaison and Youth Transition Officers: A Holistic Approach
With an infusion of four Court Liaison Officers and 16 Youth Transition Officers, Queensland is fortifying support for young individuals before the Children’s Court. These officers, strategically placed across the state, collaborate with schools and students to tailor interventions, facilitating returns to education promptly.
As Vice President of the Queensland Secondary Principals Association, Sharon Barker, notes, “Principals always welcome any opportunity for support for students to remain engaged and finish their schooling successfully.”
Looking Ahead: A Comprehensive Investment
The Youth Engagement Education Reform package casts a wide net, with over $120 million allocated to expanding Queensland Pathways State Colleges from six to twelve campuses.
New facilities in Toowoomba, Deception Bay, Mt Isa, Central Queensland, Logan, and Cairns will foster year 10-to-12 students’ success and create pathways to tertiary education.
As the Vice President of the Queensland Secondary Principals Association, Sharon Barker, emphasises, “Our teachers and school leaders manage a range of complex behaviours daily, and the need for alternative learning is something we have long called for.”
The Queensland Teachers Union President Cresta Richardson welcomes the investment, stating, “Queensland State schools are diverse with students from many backgrounds. Every student in Queensland has the right to a supportive education.”
In a strategic move, $45 million has been set aside for 50 new FlexiSpaces in high-needs schools, providing dedicated teachers to support students facing mental health issues or disruptive behaviour. An additional $27 million will fund specialised alternative learning programs in priority locations.
