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National Principal Reference Group Meeting
4 July 2025
On 4 July 2025, the Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, met with nine national principal associations for the third National Principal Reference Group meeting. The nine national principal associations represent principals in all schools and sectors across Australia. Also attending the meeting for the first time were representatives of the Australian Education Union National Principals Committee and the Principals Sub-Branch of the Independent Education Union.
The meeting was the first since the re-appointment of Minister Clare as Education Minister and was an opportunity to discuss education priorities to strengthen the workforce and improve student outcomes.
The Minister updated principals on the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (BFSA). He noted encouraging progress was already being made, including the decision by most jurisdictions to bring forward early years numeracy check pilots. Principals associations will be invited by the Australian Government Department of Education to attend a ‘deep dive’ on the bilateral agreements once they are published.
Minister Clare said that while there are positive signs that the reform agenda is having an impact on ITE enrolments and teacher supply, workforce challenges remain. Building on the success of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan (NTWAP), Ministers have agreed to hold a new roundtable, led by senior officials, to explore the scope for further actions. Principals will play a key role in shaping this work, ensuring their voices are heard in the design of measures going forward. This will include principal and school leader wellbeing and efficacy.
An update was provided to principal associations on the national Anti-Bullying Rapid Review, which is examining the evolving nature of bullying and options for a consistent national standard. Principals highlighted the increasing complexity of student behaviour and the importance of clear definitions, shared responsibilities, adequate resourcing and the need for entire school communities to be part of the solution.
Principals also gave their support for national reforms to improve child safety.
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