School Students Offered More in 2026
Our time at school is incredibly important in shaping the people that we become in later life. That is why it is so incredibly important for schools to be well funded and well-staffed. That’s not to say that there is a bottomless pit of money for our schools, but it does require Governments to tackle the big issues head-on.
Since being elected back in 2023, the new NSW Government has converted 17,000 casual school staff to being permanent. Why does this matter? Well, I ask you to reflect on your time at school and ask you whether any of the teachers that had a really big impact on you were casual or temporary staff. I suspect for most of us the answer to that question is “no” and that the big impacts for each of us was by teachers that had long standing in that school and with us as students.
Being permanent also allows the staff member to establish some roots, perhaps take on a mortgage and professionally develop long terms skills that will make them a much better employee overall. The staff member can build long term plans instead of being focused on the risk of perhaps not having work for the next year.
In addition to all of this great work on staffing, the Government is building new schools in fast growing areas, like our very own North Rothbury area (Huntlee) and adding new preschools in areas where currently our young kids don’t get access to the best start in education – we have 6 coming our way at Weston, Nulkaba, Kurri Kurri, Kearsley, Ellalong and Cessnock public schools.
Overall, our students and their families can expect a more settled and familiar school environment in 2026 and beyond. Some rewards will be realised very quickly with improved connection between students and familiar staff. Other long-term benefits will not be seen for 10, 15, 20 years or more. Our public education system is on its way to being a much better and more positive place for all.
Public Holiday on the Monday After Anzac Day
Premier Chris Minns has announced that Monday, 27th April 2026, will be a Public Holiday following the Saturday 25th Anzac Day event. Similarly, Monday 26th April in 2027 will also be a Public Holiday.
The decision to have the Public Holiday come into effect on the Monday, following a weekend Anzac Day event, is a trial that will last for just those 2 years. Beyond that a NSW Government will not need to re-consider the question until 2032 when Anzac Day will again be on a weekend.
The Premier has acknowledged the difficulty that this will create for some small businesses but also points out that the decision was made in conjunction with the RSL.
While there is some concern that creating a long weekend may mean that people focus on a holiday or getaway occasion instead of the occasion of Anzac Day, however, I have full faith in our community to recognise the solemn occasion of the day no matter where they find themselves.