A new School Staff Wellbeing Response Team (SSWRT) is being implemented as part of the 2025-26 Budget, as the Tasmanian Government builds a better Tasmania: now, and for the future.
The launch of a new team will provide additional health and wellbeing support to staff in Government schools.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, the Tasmanian Government is continuing to invest in our schools, our teachers and our students.
"The Budget invests a record $9.9 billion into education, children and young people – an increase of 5 per cent on last year," Minister Palmer said.
"As part of this investment, the establishment of the SSWRT will complement initiatives already underway to support, attract and retain more teachers.
"We value our amazing teachers and school staff, and we want everyone to feel supported when they come to work.
"Our school staff work in increasingly complex school environments, and we want to ensure they are better equipped to respond to the challenges they face within their role, including responding to critical incidents, while maintaining their health and wellbeing.
"The SSWRT will work closely with existing school teams to deliver practical, on the ground advice and assistance, building on what is already in place."
The team will initially work with an identified group of schools across the State, which will inform planning for 2026 and beyond, including opportunities to engage additional schools, and develop more proactive wellbeing supports for all our school staff.
The SSWRT includes a manager with experience in mental health and wellbeing, and three regionally based wellbeing consultants to provide specialist support to school staff and leaders.
$1 million per year is being invested to fund the SSWRT, through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement.
The Tasmanian Government is also strengthening wellbeing support for all staff through the development of a new model for Staff Wellbeing Support Services, to build upon the existing Employee Assistance Program, which is expected to commence later this year.
