New Policy to Put Teachers in Classrooms

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The state government has introduced a new pathway, which could see aspiring Hunter teachers walking into the classroom after just twelve months.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said under the new policy, the time to complete a masters degree for post-graduate students will be halved from two years to one, after the length of the course was seen as a deterrent for would-be teachers.

Since 2011 almost 100,000 teachers have joined the force, however the policy comes as part of a continued attempt to combat teaching shortages across the Hunter and the country.

The pathway will be available from 2024, and is expected to help build the teaching force with more mid-career professionals. 

The streamlining of the course will only be available to those studying to become a secondary teacher, with a revamped primary teaching course to be available by 2026.

New report reveals $60,000 gender pay gap in the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A new report's found, women across the Hunter are being paid on average $60,000 a year less than men.

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency is putting the 40 percent gap down to the high concentration of men in high-paying industries such as mining and manufacturing, compared to the prevalence of women in lower-paying industries such as healthcare and social assistance.

Hunter Workers Women's Committee Chair Leanne Holmes says policy change is essential to levelling the playing field.

"We need to increase the wages and conditions of those lower-paying industries where women tend to work," she said. "And really increase, in both spaces, the capacity for women to earn better money."

"That includes making sure there's flexibility in rostering, and the support network you need at work when women have generally got caring responsibilities outside of work."

It's hoped the Federal Government's new workplace relations legislation will enable measures to encourage women's aspirations and participation across a wider range of sectors.

Ms Holmes is also calling for action on discrimination and sexual violence against women in male-dominated industries.

She says Australia needs to take a holistic approach to the issue.

"[Women] are on the lower incomes in the first place, they've got caring responsibilities, the cost of living is through the roof at the moment," she said.

"You only have to watch the news and see that there's mums with kids desperately trying to find housing, trying to afford food. This compounds it."

"The money is there. We just need to get women in industries."

Port Stephens Council to discuss mandate for lighter-coloured residential roofs

BY DAKOTA TAIT

New developments across Port Stephens could be required to use a lighter-coloured roof, with Council set to discuss a proposal to mandate the idea at Tuesday night's meeting.

Lighter-coloured roofs are understood to better reflect the heat and light, meaning they're generally better insulators and create lower temperatures in homes. 

Residential developments often already opt for a lighter-coloured roof, to meet statewide policy on energy efficiency.

Councillor Giacomo Arnott put the motion forward, saying it's a simple way to cut both bills and energy consumption in summer.

"I think it's a no-brainer to at the very least consider and put some thought into," he said.

"There's always going to be some work to do to make sure that we can get the planning principles correct and to make sure that we're not unnecessarily adding to the cost of new homes."

If the motion's successful, staff are set to create a report exploring the proposal.

They'll consider how the rule might conflict with other development standards, as well as resident complaints about the glare and reflectivity of lighter-coloured roofing.

"Most people probably don't look too much at the colour of their roof," Cr Arnott said. "I know I certainly don't look at the colour of my roof too often."

"I can't imagine there would be any real opposition to something like this, if it means lower energy costs and it means a better future for local families and their children."