The Fyles Government’s new annual “retention payment” of $3,500 for Katherine-based teachers to subsidise their rent will not solve the high turnover rates and housing problems afflicting the Territory’s educators, the NT Education Union said.

The union said while the cash incentive, announced Wednesday by Education Minister Eva Lawler, was “a step in the right direction” it was not the solution to address high turnover rates.

The new, small incentive was announced three years after a previous rent subsidy for Katherine teachers was ended by the Labor Government to save $500,000.

“It’s not any measure similar to the [previous] rental subsidy – it’s less money,” NTEU president Michelle Ayres said.

While Ms Lawler said the incentive will make a difference to educators experiencing problems obtaining reasonably priced housing with the vacancy rate hovering under one per cent, teachers continue to consider jobs interstate due to stronger pay offers, “incredible incentives” and bonuses, and better housing options, Ms Ayres said.

“People could be living close to family, close to amenities that you simply don’t get anywhere in the Northern Territory, let alone in Katherine,” she said.

“We’ve seen some concerning situations happening in Katherine, where teachers have been forced to share with people, they’re not comfortable sharing with. These aren’t ideal situations, and we want to see a change there.”

Ms Lawler was adamant the new payment would help.

“From the government’s point of view, hopefully there [are] savings for us because when you have teacher turnover, it’s costly because you’re having to recruit teachers [and] relocate teachers,” she said.

“We value our teachers and we have heard their concerns.”

Since the previous incentive was cut, the jurisdiction faced more difficulties staffing its public schools.

In September, Katherine teachers joined other NT teachers in striking over the government’s controversial public service wage freeze policy, the worsening housing crisis, and the government’s rejection of calls to restore the rental subsidy.