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This Father's Day, the IEU is urging employers and the broader community to continue challenging outdated stereotypes about parenting and care.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 their parental leave entitlements benefits children, families and our education workplaces.

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 greater accountability in school funding, to managing increasingly complex classrooms and preparing schools for the impacts of climate change - these reforms are aimed at delivering stronger outcomes for students while [...]

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 most significant cost-of-living pressures for working Australians. While average wages have increased by around 17 per cent over the past five years, rents have risen by 23 per cent and [...]

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 follow, Melissa Donnelly is more than up to the task. A fiercely determined and highly experienced union leader, Mel will take up the ACTU Secretary position unopposed after seven years leading [...]

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  

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 Australian children and families deserve.

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 at the school level.

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 and support

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 the role of the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) in the design of any future Commission. The challenges facing the early childhood sector are well known. Workforce shortages, [...]