Today, 34,000 NT students return to the classroom, alongside the 138 extra teachers Territory Labor has delivered since coming to government nearly three years ago.

This financial year marks a $1.16 billion education spend from the Territory Labor Government, after years of school budget cuts and teacher sackings under the previous CLP government.

Territory Labor made an election promise to reinstate 164 teacher positions lost under the CLP and, in government, is delivering on that promise.

There are 138 extra teachers in the first semester of 2019 compared to the first semester of 2016.

Last week, 33 new Territory teachers attended an orientation session ahead of starting their new roles today.

Minister for Education Selena Uibo will today welcome back students at Katherine High School, while Chief Minister Michael Gunner will attend Alawa Primary School to greet students and teachers returning from their three week school holiday break.

Quotes attributable to Education Minister, Selena Uibo.

“We came to government with the key priority of investing in our children and creating generational change.

“Territory Labor promised to reinstate 164 teacher positions slashed by the CLP when they cut $135 million from the education budget. We are delivering.

“This financial year we will invest $1.16 billion in education, which will provide critical support and infrastructure that will enable all our Territory children to engage, grow and achieve bright futures.

“I’d like to wish all Territory students, teachers and support staff all the very best for a happy and successful new school term.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144