Haslauer calls for far-reaching reforms in the education system of the federal states!

Haslauer calls for far-reaching reforms in the education system of the federal states!

Salzburg's Governor Wilfried Haslauer (ÖVP) recently announced extensive reform considerations for the education sector and the administrative structure between the federal and state governments. As part of the “Ö1” lunchtime journal, Haslauer expressed his willingness to discuss the possibility that the federal states could possibly forego their competences in the education sector. This statement comes at a time when the federal government has presented its budget and negotiations with states and municipalities are imminent.

Haslauer appears willing to reform and emphasizes the necessary exchange on structural reforms. The state governors plan to propose a joint working group with the federal government to reduce everyday bureaucracy at the upcoming conference on June 6th. He refers to the Constitutional Convention from 2004 and 2005, in which relevant questions about the distribution of powers were raised. Haslauer wants to re-examine these proposals, particularly as they relate to education and health.

Complex distribution of competences

One of the central challenges that Haslauer addresses is the distribution of competences between the federal and state governments. The responsibilities are particularly complicated in the education sector, as the federal government is responsible for the content of educational requirements, while the state teachers are employed but paid by the federal government. This raises concerns that possible federal jurisdiction may not cover all open teaching positions, which would negatively impact school provision.

Salzburg's governor criticizes the NEOS proposal that the states take more responsibility in the health sector, while education should be handed over to the federal government. He describes this idea as “very superficial” and calls for a deeper analysis of the existing structures. Haslauer advocates considering the specific requirements and circumstances of each department individually.

Test reports and recommendations

In a further contextual step, the Court of Audit Committee dealt with audit reports on the education directorates and the administrative support staff at compulsory schools. Education Minister Martin Polaschek stated that the main problems that arise according to the Court of Auditors are the fragmentation of competences and the inconsistent financing between the federal and state governments. This issue is reflected in recommendations calling for a comprehensive review of education directorates and standardization of the employment of support staff.

The Court expressed concern about the administrative challenges in schools, as less than 10% of schools had adequate support staff. A total of 78 recommendations were made to improve efficiency and transparency in the education system. Polaschek pointed out that some recommendations have already been implemented, but that comprehensive legal changes are no longer possible in this legislative period.

The fundamental discourse about educational competencies and the associated structures shows that an intensive and solution-oriented debate is necessary in order to shape a promising educational landscape in Austria.

For more information on Haslauer's reform plans, please read the reporting from vienna.at, as well as the assessments in the The press and the current information from parliament.