2024 Australian Principal Health & Safety Survey
The Northern Territory (NT) Department of Education and Training is committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment for all school principals, leaders and teachers.
The department acknowledges the findings of the 2024 Australian Catholic University Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Survey, and is working with the NT Principals’ Association and the Australian Education Union NT to strengthen support for all education leaders across the Territory.
There are complex issues behind occupational violence and aggression impacting workplace safety and wellbeing in schools. This can result in immediate and long-term effects on the psychological and physical health of educators. While workplace violence can occur in any profession, data shows frontline workers, including principals and teachers, are at a heightened risk.
Chief Executive of the NT Department of Education and Training, Susan Bowden, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to addressing issues highlighted in the survey.
“In order to attract and keep teachers here in the Territory we are prioritising staff wellbeing and safety, and reducing the administrative burden identified in this report,” Susan said.
“We value all our principals and teachers in NT and have boosted resources to improve educator safety and wellbeing.”
In 2025, the department is introducing three new initiatives to support wellbeing and safety:
Educator Safety and Wellbeing ProgramRegional Staff Safety and Wellbeing OfficersSafe Teachers, Strong Schools campaign.
The new Educator Safety and Wellbeing Program will be developed in consultation with the NT Principals’ Association and Australian Education Union NT that will provide preventative and postvention support for Territory educators.
Regional Staff Safety and Wellbeing Officers will visit schools, provide preventative wellbeing support, and guide teachers and principals who may require assistance.
In addition, the critical message that violent behaviour in schools is never tolerated will be reinforced through the Safe Teachers, Strong Schools campaign.
The department continues to work with key government agencies, community bodies and industry associations to help provide a safe and supportive environment for teaching and learning in the Territory.
https://nt.gov.au/