The milestone pay settlement for teacher aides is both good news for gender pay equity and for valuing the education of
disabled children, says Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero.
“The pay rates have negatively impacted women disproportionately who make up most of the teacher aide workforce so this
is a welcome increase and also lifts the status of those working with disabled children.”
During the COVID-19 crisis home and community support workers who work with disabled people have been officially
recognised as essential workers.
“In a school setting where disabled students may be at risk of falling through the education gaps, teacher aides are
also essential,” says Tesoriero.
“Teacher aides help focus on the learning needs of individual disabled students. They can help ensure that disabled
children are included in learning experiences and school activities which leads to better educational and social
outcomes.”
The increased pay will likely attract and retain more people in the role creating a more skilled and experienced
workforce.
“We cannot afford to underestimate the benefits of paying fair wages throughout the disability sector,” says Tesoriero.