CLP Government backs local teaching talent with new incentives

25 September 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to deliver in its year of action, certainty and security, launching new incentives aimed at keeping and attracting teachers.

The new incentives aim to attract Territorians to the teaching profession and encourage students studying interstate to teach in the Territory after their University studies.

Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, today announced the Teach Local scholarship at Charles Darwin University.

“The CLP Government has recognised the need to develop a skilled workforce here in the Territory, and the best way to do that is to stop our Territory students moving down South for their studies and never returning.” she said.

The scholarship is a 4-year program supporting 15 Territorians per year to become teachers.

To complement the Teach Local scholarships, the Government has also announced the Teach up North incentive, offering up to 25 student teachers a $5,000 incentive to complete their final placement in the NT – and commit to at least two years working in an NT Government school.

“To complement our efforts to develop a skilled workforce in the Territory, we need interstate migration and the teach up North incentive will help us do just that.

“Our disciplined and diverse CLP team recognises this need.” she said.

This builds on the CLP Government’s commitment to give teachers financial certainty by moving them off short term contracts into permanent places, so they can have the confidence to put down roots in the Territory.

Minister Hersey added: “We know locally trained teachers are more likely to stay long term and we also know we need to keep attracting great new talent from across Australia to grow the Territory economy.

“This is about giving teachers certainty and giving our students the best education possible.”

Charles Darwin University (CDU) Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Scott Bowman said: “Charles Darwin University is proud to play a central role in preparing the Territory’s next generation of teachers.

“The ‘Teach Local’ scholarships ensure that passionate Territorians can gain the best training and support right here at CDU, before stepping into classrooms where their skills are most needed."

Recipients of the Teach Local scholarship will receive:

• $5,000 per year over the course of their studies
• Part-time work in an NT Government school
• Guaranteed permanent position upon completion of their degree

And must:

• Be NT residents of at least 3 months before applying
• Provide proof of enrolment through SATAC
• Have a personal and professional referee
• Be available to start a full-time teaching degree the semester following their application, and,
• Commit to teaching in an NT Government school for at least 2 years

Recipients of the Teach up North incentive will receive:

• A one-off $5,000 payment, and,
• A guaranteed permanent position upon competition of their degree

And must:

• Complete their final professional placement in an NT Government School
• Sign a contract to teach in the Territory for a minimum of 2 years
• Meet national teacher training and assessment requirements
• Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress
• Hold a valid Working with Children Clearance, and,
• Have the right to work in Australia

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Media contact – Zac Webster – 0418 670 192