[Greens-Media] Principal stress must be addressed

[Forsyth, Danielle (Sen P. Wright)]

Senator Penny Wright
MEDIA RELEASE
23 July 2013

Principal stress must be addressed



The Australian Greens have called for school principals to be given more support in the wake of new research released today showing high levels of anxiety and bullying.

Australian spokesperson for Schools Senator Penny Wright said the Australian Principal Health and Wellbeing Survey<http://www.principalhealth.org/index.php> conducted by Monash University pointed to NAPLAN testing as a key cause of stress.

"Dr Philip Riley's research<http://theconversation.com/bullies-threats-and-violence-who-would-want-to-be-a-school-principal-16263> shows principals are extremely stressed over the growing 'surveillance culture' and this could be having serious health consequences," Senator Wright said.

"Labor and Liberal governments have been complicit in creating this high-pressure environment without providing the necessary support for principals.

"The Australian Greens know we must support teachers and principals in the important work they do in educating Australia's children to a high standard.

"While accountability in our schools is extremely important, principals say they are being pulled away from students and unable to spend time fostering that love of learning.

"This report shows principals with the best mental health also have the highest levels of professional support.

"We call on all parties to stand with the Australian Greens and our educators to provide them with the support they need to do their invaluable work."


Media contact: Danielle Forsyth 0417 173 508