Gaps in the workforce created by isolation requirements in the recent Covid-19 outbreak are being scrambled to be filled with outgoing and incoming teachers, but teaching bodies are rejecting the state government's solutions. 

Looking for alternatives to fill workforce gaps, the government has suggested using retired teachers and to fast-track professional accreditation for final-year students and support staff. 

Acting Secretary of the Independent Education Union of Australia (IEUA) NSW/ACT Branch Michael Wright said that the lack of consultation with school staff and representative unions was disappointing, and suggested that expecting retired teachers to return to schools is expecting a  vulnerable group to step into the frontline. 

“Fast-tracking accreditation is also fraught. Support staff undertake work that is essential for schools to function - rushing them into classrooms will only create different shortages,” Mr Wright said. 

The disappointment comes in response to Premier Dominic Perrottet’s comment on Sunday, 16 January, where he referred to plans the state would present to the National Cabinet. 

““The education minister is doing a call out to retired teachers and final year students, and that will provide a buffer,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“There is a clear risk here of undermining the teaching profession, and the consequences will only fall on students. New teachers would be thrown in the deep end without support.”

While no decision has been announced from National Cabinet, which will meet this Thursday to discuss the issue, the IEUA said they expect staff and student health will be put before the political imperatives of the state government.

“Instead of posing far-fetched ideas for filling staff shortages the NSW Government knew about well before Omicron emerged, the government should be focusing on a safe return-to-school plan that facilitates proper ventilation and easy access to free rapid-antigen tests and booster vaccinations,” Wright said.  

The NSW Government will present the plans to the National Cabinet on Thursday, when teachers will finally find out if the changes will be implemented. 

Mr Perrottet said that closing schools will be a last resort.

“Just like every system across the country, our education system will be put under pressure, but we believe the plan we’re putting together will help mitigate that and will ensure we will have school operating as closely to normal as possible,” Mr Perrottet said. 

Across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), there were 308 cases recorded up to 8pm last night. 

In the Western Plains, three of those cases were identified in the Bogan Shire, one in Bourke, two in Cobar, two in Coonamble, one in the Lachlan Shire, five in Narromine, one in Walgett, seven in Warren and seven in the Warrumbungle Shire. 

There are 39 people admitted to hospital in the WNSWLHD, three of which are in the ICU.