News
Victorian DET Time in Lieu Update

As many of you are already aware, the recently adopted Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA) includes new provisions regarding the entitlement for teachers and school support staff to accrue time in lieu (TIL) for work performed outside normal hours of work. These provisions may have significant implications for the ongoing capacity of schools to conduct their usual camps and outdoor programs.

The three Outdoor sector peak bodies have been working collaboratively to consult with the Government regarding appropriate implementation and support measures. Most recently Rod Thomson (ACA CEO), Graeme Janes (CVA CEO) and Andrew Knight (OV CEO) met with DET senior staff to gain further details regarding Guidelines for schools. The guidelines have recently been forwarded to school Principals and you are receiving this joint communique, supported by DET, so you are well informed. It is important you are suitably positioned to respond to your DET school clients seeking to vary their camping/outdoor programs due to TIL provisions.

The very positive news is that the DET position and guidelines strongly support school camps and outdoor programs as an integral part of student learning and that schools should not be cancelling or significantly varying their programs due to the TIL provisions. The guidelines provide several worked examples demonstrating the capacity for schools to acquit TIL without incurring a significant financial cost...

Continue reading full communique here.