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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Lucy Bladen

Taskforce to review safety in Canberra schools

An ACT government taskforce will look into safety processes across Canberra's public schools with funding to be allocated in the upcoming territory budget.

The taskforce will undertake a series of reviews across the territory's public schools and will use these findings to improve safety across schools.

Staff will also receive guidance on how to proactively promote a safety culture and to respond to incidents.

The taskforce will include representatives from the Australian Education Union ACT branch, the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations, ACT Principals' Association and ACT Policing.

The ACT government will also put money towards the development of curriculum resources to help teachers in planning and workload management.

Safety within Canberra's schools came under renewed spotlight earlier this year over serious workplace health and safety issues at Calwell High School.

The workplace safety watchdog issued a prohibition notice to the southside school after WorkSafe ACT inspectors found teachers and administration staff were being abused, sworn at, screamed at and subjected to sexualised behaviour or violence from students on a daily basis.

The funding will be announced in the August 2 budget to be delivered by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

"This investment represents a redoubling of our efforts to ensure that, despite the challenges we face at the moment in many part of the community due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our public schools continue to be safe and supportive environments for staff and students," Mr Barr said in a statement.

ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry also acknowledged the pressures felt over the past two years.

"We know the last two years have been challenging for everybody, and our school communities have not been immune from the pressures of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and a nation-wide teacher shortage," she said.

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An ACT government taskforce will probe safety processes in Canberra schools. Picture: Elesa Kurtz
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