The Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, wants to encourage more Australians to nominate a teacher for an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

The Albanese Government is proud of our educators and wants to honour and highlight the invaluable contribution that teachers make to the community.

In the last three years, 2020-22, more than 3000 people have been awarded an OAM.

Only 11 were classroom teachers.

On Australia Day this year, a further 517 OAMs were awarded.

Only one is a working teacher.

Fiona Phillips wants to help change this “teachers are so important. I want to support this campaign to honour the great teachers we have here in Australia, and on the South Coast where I live”.

“I was lucky enough to receive a fantastic public education right here on the South Coast, something that wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for our dedicated educators. Teachers put in so much work, and it’s time to highlight that”.

“Teachers work long and passionately outside school hours and school weeks, including weekends and holidays, to prepare classes and ensure students receive a rewarding learning experience.”.

“Many teachers spend decades devoted to their students and their profession. Their contributions to the community are immense and that should be more accurately reflected in our national honours”.

“They deserve recognition, and there is no higher honour than an OAM”.

I encourage everyone - parents, associations, and community groups - to get together and nominate our local grassroots teachers for an OAM.

Let’s get organised and give our teachers the recognition they deserve.

It really is very simple to nominate your favourite teacher.

There are four steps to nominating someone for an Order of Australia Medal:

• Make sure the teacher is an Australian citizen or permanent resident and get the nomination form from gg.gov.au
• Fill out the nomination with teacher’s name and contact details and provide your contact details
• Explain why your teacher deserves an OAM
• List four referees to support your nomination

The nomination form is here: Order of Australia Nomination Form (business.gov.au)