Australia’s state schools face cleaning cuts

25th of June 2021
Australia’s state schools face cleaning cuts

A scheme to change cleaning levels in Australia's state schools - delayed due to the pandemic - now looks set to go ahead despite controversy.

The scheme calculates the number of cleaning hours required in each school based on its floor area. A New South Wales Education Department spokesperson claims this method is fairer than the previous one, which used historic data and applied a standard rationale across all schools.

Opponents to the scheme claim the move would lead to cleaning hours being reduced in 480 schools. And they are shocked that these cutbacks could take place during a global pandemic.

Secondary Principals' Council president Craig Petersen said principals had raised concerns about the cuts when they were first floated in 2019. "Obviously we're still in a COVID environment and people are understandably anxious about any perceived drop in cleaning or hygiene," he said.

"We are concerned that the cuts may lead to a decreased standard of service. The department has assured us there won't be any drop in the standard of cleaning but we'll be monitoring that and will encourage principals to report any concerns."

Enhanced cleaning measures were introduced to NSW schools at the start of the pandemic when hours were increased by 25 per cent and greater emphasis was placed on cleaning touchpoints such as handrails and light switches.

Lyndal Ryan from the United Workers Union said the change to cleaning hours would be risky in the event of another coronavirus outbreak. "Cleaners are integral to schools remaining open safely and the pressure is huge," she said. "It is shocking that we would risk kids' health by reducing a cleaner's ability to do their job."

But Education Minister Sarah Mitchell dismissed the concerns. "The government cleaning contract will not reduce the quality of cleaning at schools," she said.

 

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