Petition to close schools dismissed by union, NT Government

A petition to close Territory schools has been dismissed by the Australian Education Union NT and the NT Government. But the union is requesting other new measures to help ease the pressure on teachers.

A petition to close Territory schools has been dismissed by the Australian Education Union NT and the NT Government.

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A PETITION to close Territory schools has been dismissed by the Australian Education Union NT (AEU NT) and the NT Government.

The petition, started by the Independent Education Union QLD/NT calls for schools and early-childhood education centres to close immediately.

AEU NT president Jarvis Ryan said the union was focused on a plan to bring certainty to teachers and parents.

“We’re not petitioning, we’re working directly with the Government and Prime Minister to get strong outcomes that protect our teachers but also look after our students and communities,” he said.

Mr Ryan said the union had requested the NT Government bring forward the end date of Term 1 and add more pupil-free days to prepare staff for alternative education delivery, ease workloads for teachers and allow vulnerable educators to work from home.

“We’re demanding from this coming Monday there are significant changes in school operations, with schools to be closed to students with the exception of students classified as vulnerable and the children of essential frontline workers,” he said.

“There is too much stress and too much uncertainty. Our staff just need a break and we’ve got to look after the kids.”

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner maintained schools would stay open for the rest of the term, with parents able to withdraw their children if they chose.

“I feel comfortable at the moment with trusting parents, essentially,” he said.

“You know your school, you know your kids, and you know your home and I think you’re best placed to make that decision.”