Redland District Special School has received a dedicated Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Coordinator, as part of a statewide push to improve safety and ease workloads for teachers in high-needs learning environments.
The new role, delivered under the Crisafulli Government’s education commitments, is designed to provide on-the-ground support for staff while helping create safer school environments for students.
Member for Redlands Rebecca Young MP said the appointment would make a meaningful difference for the school community.
“Redland District Special School is a fantastic community, and our teachers are doing incredible work supporting students with diverse learning needs,” Mrs Young said.
“This new Health and Safety Coordinator will ensure our teachers can focus on what matters most – helping students learn and thrive – while we stamp out workplace risks and occupational violence.”
The Redlands position is one of 30 full-time WHS Coordinator roles being rolled out across Queensland’s 46 special schools. The local coordinator has already commenced this month and will be based at the school full-time for an initial two-year period.
The initiative comes as enrolments in Queensland special schools continue to climb, increasing by more than 38 per cent since 2019 and placing additional pressure on staff and resources.
Under the program, WHS Coordinators will work closely with school leaders to reduce behavioural incidents, manage risk assessments and workplace safety reporting, and support a more positive and secure school culture.
By taking on administrative and compliance responsibilities, the role is also expected to free up teachers to focus more directly on student learning and wellbeing.
The initiative forms part of the Crisafulli Government’s broader $21.9 billion Education Budget, which includes targeted funding for behaviour support, anti-bullying programs and new special schools to meet growing demand.
“This is a real win for Redlands families, delivering safer schools, better support for teachers, and ensuring our kids have the best learning environment possible,” Mrs Young said.
“After a decade of neglect under Labor, we are delivering results where it counts – here in our local schools.”
The WHS Coordinator positions are funded through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which fully funds state schools for the first time in Queensland’s history.
