Campaign to Honour Local Teachers

Member for Barton Linda Burney has thrown her support behind a campaign to encourage more Australians to nominate a teacher for an Order of Australia Medal.

On Australia Day this year, 517 OAMs were awarded. Only one is a working teacher.

In the last three years, 2020-22, more than 3000 people have been awarded an OAM. Only 11 were classroom teachers.

Education Minister Jason Clare today officially launched a campaign to honour local teachers with support from former Governor General Peter Cosgrove.

Minister Burney said it’s time to make a change and honour our local teachers.

“I know from personal experience that there aren’t many jobs more important than being a teacher,” Minister Burney said.

“There are teachers in every community around Australia working hard in classrooms every day to provide children with the priceless gift of a good education.

“These teachers work long and passionately outside school hours and school weeks – including weekends and holidays – to prepare classes and give their all to ensure their students receive a rewarding learning experience.

“They deserve recognition and there is no higher honour than an OAM.

There are four easy steps to nominating someone for an Order of Australia Medal:

·         Make sure the teacher is an Australian citizen or permanent resident and get the nomination form from gg.gov.au

·         Fill out the nomination with teacher’s name and contact details and provide your contact details

·         Explain why your teacher deserves an OAM

·         List four referees to support your nomination

The nomination form is here: Order of Australia Nomination Form (business.gov.au)