Cuts to education will hurt the most vulnerable, says O’Keeffe

By Djembe Archibald

Aug 8, 2023

Kim O’Keeffe has called out the Department of Education regarding VTS redundancies.

It has emerged that over 80 specialised teachers from the decades-long Visiting Teacher Service, have been made redundant.

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Visiting Teachers have been providing one-on-one support to vulnerable students since the 1970s.

The Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe shared her disagreement.

“Visiting Teachers are important supporters and advocates for children with hearing, visual, physical and mental impairments, and support students with life threatening illnesses like childhood cancers,” Ms O’Keeffe said.

“Without VTs, our most vulnerable children will miss out on crucial support and inclusive education while mainstream teachers will have their workloads increase.

“The reduction on VTs from 117 to a mere 32 statewide leaves over 4,000 students with significantly diminished support.”

The changes are being rolled out as part of the State Government’s $1.6 billion Disability Inclusion Program, which is set to be introduced in the Shepparton District electorate in 2024.