Australian unions condemn all acts of violence. We stand with the Jewish community.
Australian Unions condemn anti-Semitism and all acts of violence. Our condolences go to the Jewish Australian community at this time of national tragedy. We are thinking about our IEU members working in Jewish schools in Sydney and across the country, and their students who will be trying to understand this senseless loss of life. Violence and hatred have no place among us. It's not who we are.
Improved bargaining laws still have one glaring loophole
IEU members have benefited from significantly improved workplace laws in recent years. Nationally, the IEU negotiates more than 840 collective agreements. While today’s bargaining laws are fairer, important reforms are still needed to level the bargaining playing field for members seeking to access single interest multi-employer bargaining. As currently drafted, the laws restrict unions from seeking a multi-employer single interest authorisation (SIA) until expiry of their current agreement. In contrast, [...]
IEU Speaks on guidelines for deploying teaching assistants
Teaching assistants recognised as essential to educational success The AITSL Guidelines for the Optimal Deployment of Teaching Assistants in Australian Classrooms underscore the crucial role of teaching assistants in enhancing student outcomes and reducing teacher workload. The AITSL Guidelines follow an extensive research and consultation process undertaken since their announcement in the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan. Read here about the vital role of teaching assistants: IEU Speaks on guidelines for [...]
New AI Safety Institute will help make workplaces and schools safer
New AI Safety Institute will help make workplaces and schools safer The federal government’s announcement of a national AI Safety Institute is an important step in regulating and mitigating the risks associated with the rapid roll-out of AI. This new protection measure has been developed in consultation with unions and other stakeholders following concerns about the impacts of AI in the workplace. The IEU has repeatedly highlighted to parliamentary inquiries [...]
IEU Speaks on student behaviour & workplace safety
Teachers’ safety and inclusive education go hand in hand, while new data shows rising school violence Education workers are experiencing serious workplace health and safety risks as classroom violence and challenging student behaviours escalate. Read about the proactive steps needed to provide safe and inclusive classrooms: IEU Speaks on student behaviour & workplace safety Workplace wellbeing and truly inclusive education rely on long-term social and economic reforms by governments and [...]
IEU Speaks on the impact of climate on education
An ambitious climate transition is essential for high-quality learning and our students’ future Schools are becoming increasingly dangerous workplaces, with two-thirds of Australian schools now classified as high climate risk. Staff and students are already feeling the impacts, from heat stress and ‘eco-distress’ to sheltering communities during disasters and, in some cases, relocating entire schools. Read here about the climate protections needed in schools: IEU Speaks on the impact of [...]
IEU Speaks on women’s workplace safety
Women's safety at work declines over the decade, while progress in other equality measures remains modest With women making up nearly three-quarters of our union’s membership, the IEU is deeply concerned by the national findings of the Gender Equality @ Work Index. The data shows that women's safety at work actually declined to 75 points in 2024, a drop of three points since 2014. Read here about the mixed results on [...]
World Teachers’ Day – A union led day of celebration, recognition and action
World Teachers’ Day has its proud origins in union led action promoting the teaching profession. While the event has become a community wide day of recognition involving multiple stakeholders and supporting organisations, it’s important to note the union story and history that underpins the event. Read more here: World Teachers' Day - Our Union Led Event Our community celebrates and recognises our teachers for transforming the education of future generations, [...]
IEU Speaks on Anti-Bullying Rapid Review
Addressing bullying in schools is a society-wide issue: schools and teachers must not carry the burden alone. On 18 October 2025 the Australian Government Department of Education released the Final Report from the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review. During the six-month consultation, IEU officers and members met directly with the Review’s co-chairs and lodged detailed submissions supporting reform and urging ongoing consultation with the education sector and school workforce on all eight [...]
IEU Speaks on the key drivers of teacher wellbeing
Repairing teacher wellbeing will take more than wellness seminars and relaxation sessions The latest international research has confirmed what IEU members have been warning about for years - Australian teachers and school leaders are drowning under administrative workloads and excessive red tape. Read here about the action needed: IEU Speaks on the key drivers of teacher wellbeing While the federal government is working with the profession in an attempt to [...]
IEU Speaks on latest WGEA gender equity analysis
Workplace gender equity makes some gains, but education leadership remains deeply unequal The latest Insights Report from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) highlights both progress and persistent challenges in building more equitable workplaces. While there have been some modest improvements in the gender pay gap by industry, significant inequities remain in managerial and leadership roles within the education and training sector. Read more here: IEU Speaks on latest WGEA [...]
International survey confirms IEU member concerns over workload and staff wellbeing
The OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) provides a disturbing snapshot of the reality of work for Australian teachers and school leaders compared with international education benchmarks. The survey of 280,000 teachers and school leaders from 55 countries, including over 6000 Australian teachers and principals, highlights the diverse and complex challenges in our schools. The survey confirms what teachers have been warning about for years: endemic issues in Australian [...]
IEU members voice key teacher concerns to Canberra policymakers
IEU members will gather in Canberra on Friday, 19 September to take part in the National Teacher Workforce Roundtable Convened by the Commonwealth Department of Education and Education Minister Jason Clare, the Roundtable will address national priorities for the teaching workforce and progress of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan developed in 2022. IEU members, joined by Federal Secretary Brad Hayes, will contribute their first-hand experiences and insights on the [...]
IEU Speaks on Productivity Commission Report: AI in schools and teacher workload
IEU calls for stronger action on AI in schools and teacher workload as Productivity Commission interim report falls short in key areas The IEU has made a detailed submission to the Productivity Commission’s interim report Building a Skilled and Adaptable Workforce. You can read full details of our union's submission here: IEU Speaks on Productivity Commission Report While the Productivity Commission's report acknowledges the profound impact of AI in schools [...]
IEU Speaks on proposed restructure of federal education agencies
Reform of education agencies a chance to return teacher voice to the centre of education policy The announcement by the federal Education Minister Jason Clare of a review of federal government teacher and education agencies provides a critical opportunity to restore teacher voice at the heart of the education system. The government’s proposal to consolidate the work of the four federal education agencies - ACARA, AITSL, AERO, and ESA - [...]
IEU Speaks on our 2025 reform agenda
National IEU delegates endorse reform agenda for fairer and safer school workplaces IEU Federal Council delegates from across the nation have come together to develop a bold reform agenda to deliver safer, fairer and more equitable schools and workplaces: Countering gendered violence and harassment in schools Paid reproductive health leave Narrowing anti-discrimination exemptions for faith-based schools The extension of Teacher Workload Impact Assessments Read full details here: IEU Speaks on [...]
New federal laws to combat explicit deepfakes will help safeguard students and teachers
The federal Labor government’s announcement of restrictions on AI apps used to produce explicit deepfake images is an important step towards safer schools and workplaces. IEU members have been highlighting the growing danger of tech-based harassment of female students, teachers and school staff. Disturbing examples of AI deepfake abuse have been reported in schools across the country. The measures announced today by Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells are a necessary [...]
Transparency and collaboration must guide AI in education
Challenges in education are complex – AI has the potential to help but must be carefully managed through collaboration and transparency The Productivity Commission’s interim report ‘Building a skilled and adaptable workforce’ rightly highlights teacher workload as one of the most pressing issues to address in schools. The factors driving escalating teacher and school leader workloads are many and complex. While the Commission’s report highlights the potential of artificial intelligence [...]
IEU Speaks on the need for nationwide laws to combat online harassment
New protections against tech-based harassment of female students and school staff must be replicated nationwide Protecting students and school staff from gendered violence and online abuse requires a whole-of-community response. The introduction of laws in NSW criminalising the production and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes is an important step towards creating safer schools and safer communities. Read more here: IEU Speaks on the need for nationwide laws to combat online [...]
IEU Speaks on Early Career Teachers and Mentoring
The National Trends: Teacher Workforce Data 2025 identifies the characteristics of the teacher workforce and trends in demographics, employment conditions, and specific workforce experiences. Among the issues identified as significant for workforce sustainability are the prevalence, or otherwise, of mentoring and induction programs for early career teachers. Read full details here: IEU Speaks on Early Career Teachers and Mentoring Regular and structured access to experienced mentors and a genuine induction program can [...]
IEU Speaks on the impact of workload in ECE
National study highlights the link between employee workload and quality of practice in ECE A national survey recently conducted by the University of Sydney confirms the feedback provided by IEU members working in Early Childhood Education (ECE). The findings clearly demonstrate the inevitable impacts of unsustainable workloads and excessive documentation on the core work of ECE teachers and assistants. Read more here: IEU Speaks on the impacts of workload in [...]
IEU Speaks on the latest teacher workforce report
Education Trends: Australian Teacher Workforce Data Report The Australian Institute for Teaching and Leadership (AITSL) has released its latest Australian Teacher Workforce Data Report. It presents findings on national trends in demographics, education roles, employment conditions, workplace issues and career intentions to inform policy development on issues affecting the teacher workforce. Read more here: IEU Speaks on the latest teacher workforce report The report, based on the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey [...]
IEU Speaks on government support for non-profit ECE
The federal government is investing $1 billion to establish the Building Early Education Fund to build and expand about 160 early childhood education (ECE) services in priority and under-serviced areas. The IEU, and broader education community, is celebrating this investment in strengthening community involvement and support for not-for-profit providers. Read more here: IEU Speaks on government support for non-profit ECE High-quality ECE is increasingly being found to be incompatible with profit-driven [...]
IEU Speaks on a national model of information sharing in ECE
The federal government’s National Child Safety Review of policy options under the National Quality Framework is a step towards better child safety in early childhood education (ECE). Effective information sharing can help prevent individuals known to pose a risk from gaining access to children in early education settings. However, clear safeguards must be in place to ensure that any sharing of staff information is limited to appropriate parties and used solely [...]
IEU Speaks on the Federal Government’s Anti-Bullying Review
Federal anti-bullying review must strengthen protections for students and school staff The federal government’s Anti-Bullying Rapid Review represents a vital step toward developing a comprehensive, community-wide approach to tackling bullying in schools. As a deeply complex issue, bullying demands coordinated action across multiple levels, along with a clearer understanding of the most effective strategies for prevention, early intervention and wellbeing programs. Read more about our union's submission to the review [...]
Unions deliver another major win for higher wages
Today’s decision by the Fair Work Commission to increase award wages by 3.5% is more good news for workers following a major rebound in wages over the last 3 years. From 1 July 2025, workers on the minimum wage or base award rates will receive a pay rise that outpaces the current inflation rate of 2.4%, delivering a real boost to their earnings. The 3.5% increase to award rates follows [...]
IEU Speaks on priorities for a new government
Positive reforms to education and workplace laws must continue Labor’s last term of government delivered historic workplace reforms and long-overdue improvements to school funding and early childhood education. This positive momentum must continue to tackle the challenges still facing our schools, kindergartens and preschools. Read here about the five key IEU priorities for government action: IEU Speaks on priorities for new term of government The stability and continuity [...]
IEU looks forward to continued ALP government focus on education
The federal Labor government’s strong policy commitment to education is set to continue with confirmation of Cabinet Ministers today, Monday, 12 May. The IEU congratulates the continuation of Minister Jason Clare in the Education portfolio, and welcomes Senator Dr Jess Walsh as the new Minister for Early Childhood Education. You can read today's correspondence from the IEU to Minister Clare here. While many challenges remain in our schools, kindergartens and [...]
Federal Coalition avoids scrutiny of education proposals
Federal Coalition avoids scrutiny of education proposals Despite an election being called over 5 weeks ago, the Liberal National Party Coalition has waited until the day before the election to confirm details of their education proposals. With limited media coverage and opportunity for voters to now assess the Coalition’s various positions, IEU members and our school communities will be rightly concerned with the possible impact of any untested, last-minute proposals. [...]
Last minute election position threatens teacher attraction & retention
Federal opposition reveals plans to cut student teacher prac payments Just 24 hours from the federal election, the Coalition’s election costings reveal a $556 million cut to the practicum payment plan for student teachers, nurses, midwives and social workers. Cost-of-living support payments for student teachers were announced for the first time by the Labor Government in 2024. Our union has long campaigned for the payments to support new teachers and [...]
IEU Speaks on missed education priorities this election
Education deserved a higher standard of debate and mature policy discussion this election The future of our nation’s schools and early childhood education services should be at the centre of the election campaign. Unfortunately, the limited references to education in policy debates rarely rose above teacher bashing and empty culture war sloganeering. Read more here: IEU Speaks on missed education priorities this election All political candidates should be engaging [...]
Australia’s education unions condemn Dutton’s attack on teachers
Education Unions Join Against Dutton’s Attacks On Teachers The Australian Education Union (AEU), National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), and Independent Education Union (IEU) have joined together against Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s claims of indoctrination in education and his attacks on the teaching profession. With more than 285,000 members between them from early childhood, school, TAFE and university, the unions are calling on Peter Dutton and Coalition members to end [...]
IEU Speaks on the ugly political attacks on education
Less than a week into the election campaign and teacher bashing and education blame games have begun IEU members and the families in our school communities rightly expect the election campaign to focus on delivering a world class education system; however, the public debate has already degenerated into teacher bashing and the lazy politics of education blame games. The leader of the federal opposition Peter Dutton has threatened to sack [...]
IEU Speaks on greater support for school leaders this election
Pleas from school principals must be heard during this election The annual study into school principal health, safety and wellbeing has once again highlighted the need for urgent action to better support school leaders dealing with escalating workload pressures and health and safety threats in schools. In the midst of the current federal election campaign, pleas from our school leaders for greater support and resourcing should be elevated to top [...]
IEU Speaks on the importance of 3 May election for bargaining rights
This election will shape future bargaining rights for IEU members The federal election on 3rd May will have many consequences for IEU members and their families, with none greater than the protection of collective bargaining rights successfully operating in our schools and early childhood education services. Read here about the IEU's bargaining success that is now under threat: IEU Speaks on bargaining rights and 3 May federal election A fairer [...]
IEU Speaks on the federal budget
Federal budget restores education as a core national priority The 2025 federal budget has delivered historic reforms to our nation’s education system. Read full details here: IEU Speaks on the federal budget 100% funding in all public schools Rebuilding quality early childhood education and care Cost-of-living relief and tax cuts Affordable housing for essential education workers Supporting our next generation of teachers While complex challenges remain in our schools, [...]
Unions deliver vital support & security during natural disasters
Unions deliver critical natural disaster leave and wage certainty The tropical cyclone and flooding emergency in South East Qld and Northern NSW has caused great disruption and financial loss to many in the community. Thankfully, IEU members are able to call upon the support and emergency provisions delivered by our union through collective bargaining. The IEU QNT Branch has provided a summary of disaster leave entitlements and advice to members [...]
IEU joins global call to action on International Women’s Day 2025
IEU members will join a worldwide call to action on International Women's Day on Saturday, 8 March. This special day of celebration and activism has its origins in worker protests, and this year’s theme March Forward highlights both the achievements and further reforms needed to advance gender equality. Read full details here: IEU Speaks on International Women's Day 2025 While there is still much to do to deliver a fairer [...]
IEU Protects Reproductive Health in the Workplace
An independent statutory review of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 is being undertaken by an expert Review Panel to assess the impact of the legislation and whether further amendments are needed to improve its operation. Our union has appeared before the Review Panel and also provided a detailed submission on the operation of the legislation given the impact of the laws on IEU members. [...]
Early childhood education guarantee will benefit countless children & communities
New early childhood education guarantee will benefit more than 120,000 families in need Parliament’s passing of the federal government’s guarantee of three days early childhood education and care (ECEC) is a major step towards a more accessible and affordable system. High-quality ECEC is an intrinsic component in the continuum of education and a lifetime of learning. Read here about how this reform will benefit children and communities across the country: [...]
IEU Speaks on new national teacher resources
New resources for teachers are just one part of broader reforms needed in schools The federal government’s Engaged Classrooms initiative has provided a further set of free resources for teachers to help manage classroom behaviour. The resources, developed by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), are an important part of a wider program of reforms needed to support teachers and school leaders. Read about the new teacher resources here and [...]