Labor Will Pay School Leavers Up To $48,000 To Study Teaching If They Win The Election

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has revealed they plan to pay university students up to $48,000 to study teaching.

Under the new proposal, students would need to achieve a graduating ATAR score of 80 or above to receive $10,000 per year from the government to study.

There is also extra incentive to work regionally, with the ALP pledging an extra $2,000 per year for students if they commit to working in the country.

"Labor’s plan will incentivise the best graduates to join the teaching profession, leading to a brighter future for our students and for the nation."

Shadow Education Minister Tanya Plibersek said the scheme aimed to improve both the number of teachers in the workforce and dipping school grades.

"I want students competing to get into teaching like they do to get into medicine or law.

"If we want a better future in Australia, we need a smart, skilled workforce so we can compete for jobs and growth with our neighbours."

Plibersek pointed the finger at the Liberal Party for low test scores, but acting Education Minister Stuart Robert reckons the current state of students' grades is the result of 'dud' teachers.

"They are graduating from university, or have been for the last 10 years, and they can’t read and write."

Labor's education polices also promise early-education programs to teach young children about respect in relationships, increased digital and media literacy skills, and the introduction of local First Nations languages to Australia's school system.