“We are very pleased to see the draft plan out for consultation and appreciated the opportunity to work with government, unions and industry on ways to give teachers every opportunity to succeed,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“Universities Australia put forward several practical solutions to attract and retain more of the best and brightest teachers.

“Teachers have one of the most important jobs in the world, helping shape the future of young people and setting them up to achieve their goals in life.

“It is time to stop bagging teachers and continue with the job of giving them a strong platform from which to grow and thrive.

“That is in the best interests of our teachers, the students they teach, and our nation.”

Universities Australia’s policy paper on addressing Australia’s teacher shortage is available here.