About us

The Inquiry

Valuing the teaching profession - an independent inquiry will investigate changes in the policies, procedures, practices and regulation of teaching and their impact on the work of teachers and principals.

This independent inquiry was commissioned in February 2020 by the NSW Teachers Federation.

The last time such an investigation was conducted into the nature of teachers’ work was in an Industrial Relations Commission Case in 2003, with the Commission handing down its decision in 2004. The inquiry will review the state of the teaching profession in NSW public schools and the significant changes that have affected the profession since that time.

Evidence will be collected through an open submission process, site visits and public hearings.

The inquiry will be chaired by The Hon Dr Geoff Gallop AC, Professor Emeritus, University of Sydney and former Western Australian Premier. Dr Gallop is joined by The Hon Dr Tricia Kavanagh, former Justice of the NSW Industrial Court and Deputy President of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and Patrick Lee, former Chief Executive of the NSW Institute of Teachers.

The final report will be delivered to the NSW Teachers Federation by February 2021.

The issues that the inquiry will explore are defined by the terms of reference. (Click here to read the letter establishing the inquiry and setting its terms of reference).

The Panel

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Emeritus Professor The Hon Dr Geoff Gallop AC was a Member of Western Australia’s Legislative Assembly for 20 years, a Minister in the Lawrence government (1990-93), including Minister for Education, and Premier from 2001 to 2006.

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The Hon Dr Tricia Kavanagh is a former Justice of the NSW Industrial Court and Deputy President of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission with a background in legal practice and education and child care.

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Patrick Lee was the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Institute of Teachers from 2009-13 and has worked in the field of teacher accreditation and regulation for many years.