Two in three NT principals assaulted, threatened in 2023 according to report

Two in three NT principals were victims of threats or assault in 2023, with a local education leader sounding the call for help before an “exodus” within the profession occurs. Read the report.

School fight generic.

Two in three NT principals were victims of violence in 2023 but the Education Minister has outlined no plans to tackle school-based incidents.

The Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey revealed 61.8 per cent of the Territory’s principals had been threatened with violence.

Nationally, 48.2 per cent of principals had experienced violence and 53.9 per cent had been threatened.

Students – followed by parents – were the primary source of violence and threats of violence across the country.

79.7 per cent of Aussie principals experiencing threats of violence said students were behind the offence, and 65.6 per cent cited parents.

NT Principals Association Robyn Thorpe said the survey found school leaders showed “a love for their job” but experienced concerning levels of violence at work.

Ms Thorpe said the Territory’s school leaders took “great satisfaction in making a difference” for the most geographically isolated and socio-economically disadvantaged kids in the country despite daily workplace challenges.

“The constant barrage of violent incidents, parental conflicts, and staffing pressures is really taking a toll on principals’ wellbeing and morale,” she said.

“We desperately need more support and resources from the government, including acceleration to full funding as soon as possible, before we see an exodus from the profession.”

Almost half (47.1 per cent) of the NT’s principals received a “red flag” email, compared to 42.6 per cent nationally.

A red flag email is sent to a principal when they have “triggered” a risk measure and provides details for how to seek help.

Ms Thorpe said she wanted to see a health and wellbeing strategy for principals under the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan.

She said a nationally consistent approach to principals’ wellbeing was the key to addressing school leaders’ declining mental health.

“Violence and aggression in schools often reflects broader societal issues in communities, requiring a whole-of-community and whole-of-government response,” she said.

“Unfortunately, schools are frequently expected to manage these situations with minimal support – underfunding of government schools in the NT and teacher shortages has impacted their ability to address these issues effectively.”

Education Minister Mark Monaghan. Picture: Jason Walls

Opposition Education spokeswoman Jo Hersey. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Education Minister Mark Monaghan, in response to questions from the NT News, did not outline any clear plan to address school-based violence in the face of recent incidents.

“Violence in any form in unacceptable in our schools,” he said.

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority and we continue to work closely with all our schools to provide a safe learning and work environment.”

Opposition Education spokeswoman Jo Hersey on Wednesday said she asked Chief Minister Eva Lawler about the O’Loughlin Catholic College lockdown during the day’s Question Time.

“Parents are rightly concerned that crime is so out of control that kids aren’t even safe at school,” Mrs Hersey said.

“You will not fix results and attendance if teachers, staff and students do not feel safe in school environments.”

Ms Lawler on Wednesday said the school’s lockdown was a procedural success in an instance where an unknown individual entered school grounds.

“If you went to any school and sat down with the principal and teachers, they would tell you the processes and procedures they have in place to address the issue of violence, assaults and poor behaviour in their school,” she told Mrs Hersey during Question Time.

“I am making sure that the Department of Education has policies and procedures in place, which it does and which principals have, for every school to address these issues.

“That is what happens.”