Australia’s two peak bodies for public school principals have joined forces to drive a new reform agenda aimed at lifting equity, wellbeing and leadership across the nation’s schools.
For the first time, the Australian Secondary Principals’ Association (ASPA) and the Australian Government Primary Principals’ Association (AGPPA) have issued a joint statement, representing more than 11,000 leaders from 7,500 government schools educating 2.8 million students.
In recent years, Australia’s principals have taken steps to join forces to tackle the major challenges facing the sector’s school leaders.
In 2024, all State and Territory public secondary school principals’ associations reunited into ASPA, positioning the peak body as “the undisputed national voice” for Australia’s 2,200 government combined and secondary school principals, who look after more than one million students.
Three years earlier, during the COVID pandemic, ASPA and the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) convened to form the Coalition of Australian Principals (CAP) to amplify the voice of principals on the national stage.
‘A vision for a world-leading, child-centred education system’
Framed around six key priorities, the statement sets out a vision for “a world-leading, child-centred education system” underpinned by healthy, effective leaders and stronger policy collaboration.
At the heart of the two principal associations’ reform agenda is improving the state of play in occupational health and wellbeing.
The joint statement pointed to escalating violence, stress and burnout among school leaders and called for measures to reduce unsustainable workloads, ensure psychosocial safety and provide greater access to support. Proposals include legislative protections, government-funded sabbaticals, and a nationally consistent role description that properly reflects the demands of modern leadership.
ASPA and AGPPA are also pushing for harmonised protections against occupational violence, better reporting systems, and public campaigns to build community confidence in schools – measures they say will not only to safeguard leaders but also to strengthen school environments for staff and students.
Beyond immediate wellbeing concerns, the associations are calling for systemic reform, stressing the need for deeper collaboration between policymakers and school leaders, including a stronger voice in shaping funding agreements and education policy.
The associations’ proposals include streamlining national teacher registration, boosting leadership development through consistent career pathways, mentoring, and updated standards, and providing more flexible conditions to retain experienced principals.
At the student level, the joint statement prioritises wellbeing and engagement, urging cross-sector partnerships, targeted support for disadvantaged families, and greater autonomy for leaders to tailor curricula.
‘Empowering principals to shape the national conversation’
Pat Murphy said ASPA and AGPPA are “two likeminded associations with the same values and aspirations for Australia’s schools.”
“The partnership will help drive innovation and excellence in government education, ultimately benefiting students, teachers, and communities nationwide,” Murphy told The Educator. “Joining ASPA and AGPPA together underscores the importance of principals in our sector having greater autonomy and voice in national discussions about education.”
Murphy said that by collaborating, the two associations can effectively advocate for policies that reflect the realities of government schools and the unique needs of students.
“Government school principals are on the front lines and understand the challenges and opportunities that a quality public education can provide,” he said.
“Empowering government school leaders to shape the national conversation ensures that decisions are informed, relevant, and beneficial, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes and a stronger future for our students and communities.”
‘We all need to work together in the interests of our kids’
ASPA President Andy Mison said when principals have genuine agency in shaping policy, “we get solutions that actually work in classrooms and schools, not just in theory.”
“This partnership amplifies our collective voice, ensuring that the expertise of those who lead our 7,500 government schools directly informs the national conversation about what our 2.8 million students need to thrive,” he said.
“Whether we’re advocating for legislative protections against occupational violence, asking for meaningful consultation in policy design, or ensuring principals’ professional expertise is embedded in the Better Fairer Schools Funding Agreement implementation, our joint approach models the collaboration we’re seeking from government. We all need to work together in the interests of our kids.”
When asked how the ASPA-AGPPA partnership might better help to achieve the strategies laid out in the statement as opposed to previous approaches, Murphy said it enhances the associations’ ability to implement strategies effectively.
“The partnership unites primary and secondary leaders, fostering a cohesive approach to shared educational challenges,” he said.
“This collaboration amplifies our collective voice, ensuring that principals’ insights directly inform policy design and implementation.”
Murphy added that by prioritising principal wellbeing, safety, and professional development, the partnership can advocate for “meaningful changes that reflect the realities of school leadership.”
“Together, we can drive a more equitable education system, ensuring every child thrives in a supportive and effective learning environment,” he said.
“This joint work moves beyond previous approaches by emphasising collaboration and shared expertise.”