General Assistants (GAs)and other Schools staff have been advised to stop acting as bus drivers to fill vacancies as regional transport companies go bust.

“The PSA restated our concern regarding the lack of clear responsibility and procedures for driving school buses,” said President Nicole Jess. “We have previously raised concerns that GAs are maintaining and driving school buses while not engaged under the right classification, and we are increasingly hearing of School Learning Support Officers who have obtained valid driver’s licences who are now driving school buses, something that the department maintained they were not aware of.

“The PSA reiterated its concern about the potential risks to students and the community, requesting information about the number of schools with one bus or more, and the number of engaged Driver GAs. We will continue to advocate for the Department to better consider the potential risks and provide clarification around responsibility for this duty.”

It is not a condition of employment for GAs to hold a current driver’s licence or obtain a driver’s licence. Before GAs can receive the allowance, a principal must sight a current driver’s licence, car registration and comprehensive insurance policy