In term 3 last year, a SAASLA Exec committee met with State Minister of Flinders, Peter Treloar, along with Federal Member for Grey, Rohan Ramsey, to identify and discuss issues relating to rural education and Area Schools – focus was on the need for differentiated policy for the country, staffing – attracting and retaining teachers and leaders to the country, country housing, training of graduate teachers and inexperienced leaders, lack of services and support, poorer educational outcomes for rural students etc.

The Exec’s idea of South Australia needing a Rural Education Policy, as have NSW & QLD, was floated and supported in principle by both Peter and Rohan. They have agreed to meet regularly with the SAALSA Exec committee members and support finding solutions to the ongoing rural education issues identified and in the creation of a Rural Education Strategy for the state. Peter Treloar spoke to our Minister of Education re the issues raised and arranged a meeting between the Minister, himself and the Exec members at the beginning of March at Parliament house. The meeting was attended by The Minister, his advisor Garry Costello, Peter Treloar and the Exec committee reps. The issues were bought to the Minister’s attention along with the proposal to create a Rural Education Strategy – there was lots of active discussion and the Minster seemed genuinely interested.

The Minister agreed to discuss the proposal for a Rural Education Strategy with the Senior Executive Group of the Dept. Garry Costello was tasked with researching a number of issues and will be maintaining regular contact with the Exec. The Exec will be meeting with the Minister/Garry Costello later in the term to continue the discussion.