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Facing the Facts

In 2022 the SSTUWA commissioned a review into public education in Western Australia.

The report of this review, Facing the Facts – a review into public education in Western Australia, was formally launched and presented to the Minister for Education in November 2023.

Find the full review as well as a summary of the key findings and recommendations below as well as a podcast with panel chair Dr Carmen Lawrence and panel member Mr Colin Pettit explaining the review process and findings.

Work is underway to ensure Facing the Facts helps to deliver real change in public education, with implementation of as many recommendations as possible. Learn more below.


Facing the Facts about...


SSTUWA submission papers


State election 2025

SSTUWA position papers


Listen to the podcast

In this episode, SSTUWA President Matt Jarman discusses the SSTUWA's state election position papers - for both schools and TAFE - which are based on extensive research, including Facing the Facts, and cover all things public education.

These have been sent to the major political parties, with an invitation to respond, ahead of the 2025 election.

Tune in to learn more - here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn about Facing the Facts

Facing the Facts - Final Report

Facing the Facts - Summary document

Review into public education finds teaching profession at breaking point

A review into public education in WA headed by Dr Carmen Lawrence has found the teaching profession is at breaking point, with many teachers planning to leave the sector.

read more

Listen to the podcast

Hear from Dr Carmen Lawrence and Dr Colin Pettit about Facing the Facts: A Review of Public Education in Western Australia. Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The podcast is also available in a three part series, via your favourite podcast platform.

Watch the launch

The report was formally launched and presented to the Minister for Education on 6 November 2023. Watch the launch here.

Thank you

Thank you to all members, non-members and organisations for their submissions to the review. Your time and contributions were essential in the review process.

Thank you also to the expert panel - Dr Carmen Lawrence, Dr Scott Fitzgerald of Curtin University, Colin Pettit, former Commissioner for Children and Young People and Dr Robyn White, former principal of Perth Modern School and Pamela Pollard, former principal of Victoria Park Primary School, executive officer to the panel.