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Australian Secondary Principals' Association calls for profession-centred approach to proposed Teaching and Learning Commission

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The Australian Secondary Principals' Association (ASPA) welcomes efforts by the Federal Government to reform the national education architecture, provided such changes deliver enhanced learning outcomes for Australian children and young people through strengthened support and agency for schools, teachers and school leaders.

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Minister for Education Jason Clare MP has announced proposals to establish a new Teaching and Learning Commission, aiming to consolidate the work of the four national education agencies, ACARA, AITSL, AERO and ESA, into a single body.

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ASPA President Andy Mison said the Association cautiously welcomed initiatives to improve and streamline support services for schools.

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"Any restructure of our national education agencies must prioritise direct benefit to students and schools," Mison said. "We are encouraged by the Minister's commitment to maintaining and protecting the critical work these agencies currently undertake whilst planning this new Teaching and Learning Commission. It will take some time to develop and implement this big change, and there are important priorities to attend to right now. Our teachers and school leaders are doing great work, in many cases with unsustainable workloads, complexities and challenges in their communities to respond to.”

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ASPA emphasises that meaningful consultation with the profession must be central to designing the proposed Commission. The Association expects that school leaders and teachers will be actively involved in shaping both the structure and function of any new body.

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"The expertise in our school communities must inform this process from the outset," Mison said. "Effective education reform requires the voice and experience of the professionals running schools and working directly with students."

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ASPA anticipates the Minister will commit to supporting the current priorities of the four agencies and their dedicated staff whilst this proposal develops. The Association looks forward to contributing constructively to discussions following the Education Ministers' Meeting on 17 October when state, territory and federal ministers will consider the plan.

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The proposed Teaching and Learning Commission would support implementation of Better and Fairer Schools Agreement reforms, maintain the Australian Curriculum and NAPLAN, undertake and commission education research, and enhance professional development opportunities, according to Minister Clare. ASPA sees this as an excellent opportunity for Labor to demonstrate its trust in our educators as professionals and support a central role in the Teaching and Learning Commission for them to lead.

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ASPA remains committed to ensuring any national education reforms deliver tangible benefits for every Australian child.

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About ASPA: The Australian Secondary Principals' Association represents secondary school leaders across Australia, advocating for excellence in secondary education and supporting principals in their vital role.