2026 News

At a time when teachers, school leaders and school support staff are under more pressure than ever from increasingly complex student needs, unsustainable workloads, the onslaught of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and escalating rates of gendered violence, some political figures have chosen to spread disinformation and disrespect. Read full details here IEU Speaks on attacks against the teaching profession Recognising the threat posed by gendered violence and conducting consent and respectful [...]

This Father's Day, the IEU is urging employers and the broader community to continue challenging outdated stereotypes about parenting and care. Read more here: IEU Speaks on the importance of parental leave this Father's Day Improved parental leave provisions are making a real difference for families, but many fathers still feel reluctant to take extended leave because of concerns about workplace perceptions and career impacts. Supporting all parents to access [...]

Australia's education system is facing significant challenges that require coordinated action from governments, employers and school communities. At its annual meeting in Melbourne last week, the IEU Federal Council identified three key reform priorities that will help ensure schools are better equipped to support students and education workers. Read full details about the IEU's plan for the next phase of education reform: IEU Speaks on our union's reform agenda From [...]

IEU members joined workers from across Australia to share their experiences of the housing crisis at the ACTU Housing Summit held today at Parliament House in Canberra. The summit, attended by Minister for Housing Clare O'Neil and other government MPs and senators, heard first-hand accounts of the housing challenges facing teachers, nurses, disability support workers, retail employees, local government workers and many others. Housing costs and rising rents have become [...]

The future of the ACTU is in strong hands The IEU is delighted to welcome incoming ACTU Secretary Melissa Donnelly. The leadership of the Australian union movement is a pivotal role, and over the past nine years we have been fortunate to benefit from the remarkable leadership of ACTU Secretary Sally McManus, who will step down at the end of the month. While Sally will be a hard act to [...]

The IEU acknowledges two remarkable union leaders – thank you Sally and Michele    The IEU pays tribute to ACTU Secretary Sally McManus & President Michele O’Neil as they prepare to step down from their roles. Read our message of thanks for two outstanding union leaders whose courage helped build a stronger union movement and fairer Australia: IEU Speaks on two remarkable union leaders  

Non-government schools, including faith-based schools, make up an important part of our nation's educational landscape. Recent developments have highlighted the need for reform to ensure taxpayer funding is spent responsibly and directed towards its intended purpose: supporting student learning, educational outcomes, and the needs of school communities. Read full details here: IEU Speaks on the need for greater funding transparency The IEU is calling for stronger transparency and accountability in [...]

Historic ECEC pay rises are now protected Confirmed federal government funding to lock in pay rises for ECEC workers is a major step forward for early childhood education. Read here about the union collective agreement and federal government investment that is rebuilding the ECEC sector: IEU Speaks on government support for higher ECEC wages A stable and fairly paid workforce is essential to delivering the early learning environments that all [...]

At a time when digital proficiency and equitable access are indispensable for modern education and employment, digital education must be effective, inclusive and accessible for all students. Governments and employers must ensure that schools, particularly in remote and regional communities and those serving First Nations and disadvantaged students, have the resources and time to deliver high-quality information and communication technology (ICT) skills to all students. Read about the findings of [...]

Workplace flexibility must keep pace with an ageing population and growing caring responsibilities As Australia’s population ages and caring responsibilities increase, more education professionals are juggling demanding roles at work and at home. Read about the practical reforms needed to ensure workplace flexibility keeps pace with these changes: IEU Speaks on balancing work and family care The education workforce needs stronger rights to flexible work and practical support for implementation [...]

Correcting misleading NCCD compliance advice circulating in schools Incorrect advice about NCCD compliance has been provided by several non-government school employers. The IEU confirms there are no changes to 2026 NCCD requirements. Read our full statement to ensure you have the correct information: IEU Speaks on misleading NCCD compliance advice Any members experiencing pressure to undertake work beyond current NCCD requirements should contact their relevant IEU Branch for immediate advice [...]

The 2026 federal budget delivers welcome cost-of-living relief and housing reforms for essential workers, but stops short of the bold investment our education system needs. Read more here: IEU Speaks on the federal budget's hits and misses Our union will keep pushing for the reforms and resources required to support high-quality education in every school and early childhood service.

Today, Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth Jess Walsh announced that the Federal Government will work with state and territory governments to consider establishing a new national Early Education and Care Commission. This proposal aligns with recommendations from the Productivity Commission’s 2024 inquiry into universal early childhood education and care, many of which the government has already begun implementing. It will also examine [...]

In 2024, union advocacy delivered historic federal government support for improved early childhood education and care (ECEC) wages. The IEU is urging the federal government to make a lasting commitment to this achievement by permanently funding fair and sustainable wages in long day care services. Read full details here: IEU Speaks on extending government support for ECEC wages Permanent funding of fair wage increases in long day care services is [...]

A suite of reforms in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector take effect today as part of the federal government response to revelations of unacceptable practices and devastating safety issues in early childhood services. Read full details here IEU Speaks on ECEC Child Safety Reforms The early childhood sector and the IEU are committed to the success of the child safety reforms and will continue to engage with [...]

With inflation now outstripping wage growth - real incomes are once again going backwards. After a brief period of recovery, education professionals can't afford a return to the severe real wage cuts of recent years. Read our full statement to learn how the IEU will campaign to ensure school staff are not left behind: IEU Speaks on the need for real wage growth for teachers and support staff Union collective [...]

Teachers must be better supported to help manage growing classroom complexity and challenging student behaviours   Growing classroom complexity is placing unsustainable pressure on teachers and support staff, who are increasingly required to manage diverse learning needs, challenging behaviours and student wellbeing issues. Read more here: IEU Speaks on support needed to manage classroom complexity While class size protections remain vital, they are no longer enough on their own. Without adequate [...]