NSW Government has taken steps to ensure regional Australia can attract and retain teachers

The Review of Rural and Remote Incentives has now formally published it's report, including a number of recommendations for encouraging teachers to relocate by improving incentives and benefits.

The changes come after years of teachers calling for action, including a recent letter from a NSW Teachers Federation representative and protests from Murrumbidgee Regional High School.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said in a statement, "It's time our incentives program is upgraded to attract top quality teachers to the bush."

"At the heart of these investments are our regional kids who deserve the best teachers and best education no matter where they live," he said.

The report has spurred the government into a range of changes to go into effect immediately. Key changes include increasing targeted recruitment bonuses to up to $20,000, doubling the number of "teach.Rural" scholarships and working with housing authorities to ensure good quality accommodation for teachers in regional areas.

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Going forward, they will be partnering with principals and teachers across the state to develop long-term strategies. Those strategies will include revampling and simplifying the current 'transfer point' system and better communication regarding it, as well as the establishment of a centralised group overseeing regional school staffing.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said she was keen to see more take up the opportunities.

"Regional NSW is an incredibly attractive place to live and work. I want to see more people experience teaching in Regional NSW and I want to remove barriers for anyone wanting a teaching career in the bush."

"This is the first time we have inspected all aspects of the system to make it fair and flexible, allowing teachers to create a package that works best for them and their circumstances."

Member for Murray Helen Dalton has long been pushing for more regional teaching incentives, but said she would be holding off on celebrating.

"More incentives for rural schools is something I've fought to achieve over the last three years, so this is encouraging news. I'd like to thank everyone who signed our petition," she said.

"However, we still don't have a firm commitment on whether Griffith schools will get more incentives... Griffith schools urgently need more incentives as students have missed hundreds of classes due to chronic teacher shortages."

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