Advocacy Update - 13 September 2026

I am sure that you are as deeply concerned as I am about the threat for all school library staff. This current action in the Catholic Maitland-Newcastle Diocese is another decision that diminishes the value of the school library for the entire school community. Removing any qualified teacher librarian will impact programs and services, while also putting immense pressure on non-teaching staff to keep an under-resourced school library operational.

ALIA and ACSL, of which SLANSW is a member, are currently calling upon Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle (CSMN) to urgently reconsider their decision. You can read the full ALIA ACSL Media Release on the SLANSW Website (https://slansw.net.au/media) or via the link at the end of this update. SLANSW has released media statements via our official social media channels in support of teacher librarians in the CSMN Diocese. I have also been in communication with the President of the International Association of School Libraries (IASL), Dr Corinthia Price. Dr Price has written letters in support of teacher librarians in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. IASL have also issued a Statement of Support, which can also be found in full, at the end of this update.

ACSL representatives and supporters from the author community met last week to discuss further action. Kate Temple’s Change.org petition now has over 16,000 signatures. The petition calling for mandated teacher librarians in all schools will be sent to NSW Parliament along with a letter requesting a meeting this week.

In a communication from a Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle representative, we were informed that “CSMN is currently undertaking a consultation process with affected staff regarding proposed changes to staffing arrangements for the 2027 school year.” I would be interested to know if you feel any consultation has taken place.

The Association wants to assist all members to advocate for your position and your school library. Please contact me via info@slansw.net.au if we can assist in any way. We will continue to advocate for the importance of qualified school library staff and the need for appropriately resourced school libraries. SLANSW will keep members informed of further communication via our website and social media channels.

Karen Seeneevassen | SLANSW President

ALIA ACSL Media Release (pdf)

IASL Statement of Support (pdf)