Common Selection Criteria for School Jobs

Central Council, 13 November 2006

Report adopted

The Department of Education and Training some time ago undertook a review of Aboriginal Education call the Aboriginal Education Review (AER). The DET are currently in the process of implementing recommendations of that review. Recommendation 69 of the AER requires the development of additional selection criteria for all promotional positions within DET.

The selection criteria aims to ensure that all staff applying for positions have a 'knowledge of and commitment to the Department's Aboriginal education policies'. The DET has informed the PSA that 'it is expected that Departmental Employees in promotion positions will be able to influence, promote and enhance outcomes for Aboriginal students and Aboriginal employees in a direct and supportive manner in collaboration with Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders'.

The DET has consulted with the PSA as this selection criteria will apply to all PSA members (and other staff) who apply for positions. The Association was concerned to ensure that the DET would properly inform our members that there were new selection criteria. The DET have provided the PSA with the web links to all the appropriate policies. They have also assured the Association that when employees telephone for employment packages they will be provided these policies.

It is intended that the Association will seek clarification of the timeline for instituting these criteria (the expected date in December 2006 or January 2007) and the DET plan for ensuring education of their existing staff members.