Members may recall, the then Education Minister, Adrian Piccoli initiated specialist STEM (science, technology, engineering and Mathematics) teachers into NSW classrooms. Unfortunately, while the university sector quickly engaged in establishing programs for pre-service teachers, public schools were not able to utilise this expertise due to the limitations of the school staffing codes.

It is very pleasing therefore to announce that after NSWPPA intervention and strong advocacy, the staffing codes will be expanded. This is a significant betterment to all NSW public schools.