Teachers who choose to spend time in rural schools will have their student debt wiped in a bid to cover regional education staff shortages, 7 News reports.
The federal government will clear the HELP debt for those who spend four years teaching in a very remote location at a primary or secondary school, day care centre or preschool.
Eligible teachers will have waived either the debt of their initial teaching degree or whatever debt remains when they start the teaching position, whichever is less.
It will initially be open to teachers who have been in remote locations since 2019, meaning those already teaching in those areas can get a head start.
Teachers are expected to save an average of $35,000, with up to 2000 people estimated to immediately benefit.
An additional 500 extra teachers are expected to become eligible each year.
Education Minister Jason Clare said there was a serious teacher shortage across the nation and it was worse in rural communities.
About 300 remote schools across the country will benefit from the scheme.
“Your impact is bigger. Your chance to shape and change and improve the lives of people is bigger,” Mr Clare said of working in remote communities.
FULL STORY
Student debt cut for teachers who go rural under Federal Government plan (7News)
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