The policy outlines the responsibilities of all employees relating to alcohol and other drugs in Department schools and workplaces and is underpinned by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and related staff and student duty of care obligations.

Schools and residential facilities need to have appropriate security measures in place to protect school property and ensure a safe and secure environment for staff and students. A variety of approaches are needed for implementation of effective security.

These procedures aim to maximise the flexibility available to school communities in the configuration of the school day within the constraints of legislation and industrial agreements. The Director General determines the days in each year on which government schools are to be open for educational instruction of students.