Government has sold a big dummy to schools re the Independent deal. Unfortunately need to have competent administrators, some schools have them, some don't. As for attracting the best teachers, load of wank. It's about getting the cheapest teachers. My school, re the Yr 7's coming in, 6 new teachers needed, all positions given to graduates, positions not advertised, said graduates known by staff. Not what you know, who you know. Now, they may be terrific teachers, but the whole spiel about having the best teachers at the school is a bit hard to do if positions aren't advertised.
Schools now handle their own salary pool, that pool is reducing 2.5 percent each year for the next 2 years. Teacher's wages are going up 5.25% over the next 2 years. Pressure is on those staff with 9 years plus experience, or teacher assistants, cleaners. Have already seen the effect at some schools - teacher librarians let go, replaced by non teaching staff; Year Coordinator positions being abolished, replaced by social workers; Year Coordinator positions being amalgamated, no extra pay, no extra time; HOD positions being amalgamated, i'm sure the list will go on.