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, [...]
The upcoming federal budget can provide vital relief and support for IEU members The 2026 federal budget is a critical moment to deliver real support for IEU members and their families. The IEU is calling for targeted action to relieve cost pressures on members, invest in the education workforce and ensure policy decisions across government support schools and students. Read more here: IEU Speaks on federal budget priorities for IEU members The federal government has in recent years begun to address long-term underinvestment in schools and early childhood education and care. This work must continue, backed by ambitious and sustained financial [...]
The IEU joins other Australian unions, and education unions around the world, in expressing our deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran. This violence places civilians, especially children and families, at great risk. We oppose all human rights abuses wherever they occur. These violations, however, cannot be used as a pretext for military actions that endanger further lives. The IEU has long stood in support and solidarity with the people of Iran, condemning the ongoing repression of students, women and workers in the Iranian education system. Workers’ rights have been curtailed [...]
The AEC post-election report for the IEU election E2025/197 is available here: E2025-197 IEUA - Post Election Report The AEC declaration of results for the IEU election E2025/197 is available here: E2025-197 IEUA Declaration of Results - Uncontested Offices
The IEU is joining with the ACTU and other unions in calling for stronger, clearer and more equitable National Employment Standards (NES) that reflect the needs of modern workplaces. The current Parliamentary Inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the NES is the first opportunity in 14 years to fully review and modernise these essential minimum workplace standards. Read details of our IEU submission to the inquiry here: IEU Speaks on updates to the NES Central to our submission is a call for 10 days of Paid Reproductive Health Leave. This is an essential reform to promote gender equity and protect [...]
International Women's Day, Sunday 8 March 2026 As International Women’s Day approaches, our union is highlighting the vital role women play across the education sector and within our union. Read here about how unions are shaping real progress for women in 2026 and how you can be part of the movement: IEU Speaks on International Women's Day 2026 Across Australia, women continue to drive wins in collective bargaining, gender equity, reproductive health rights, and workplace fairness. With more than 50,000 women in our membership, the IEU is committed to turning advocacy into action, demanding meaningful reforms in education, workplace rights and [...]
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 agreements continue to deliver better pay outcomes, but sustained action is needed to ensure wages keep up with inflation and help attract and retain a high-quality education workforce.
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 staffing, specialist support, time and training, teachers are spending less time teaching and more time responding to behavioural, cultural, language, medical and learning needs - contributing to workload stress, burnout and [...]
Independent Education Union of Australia Scheduled Election: E2025/197 Please find below the election notice and nomination form for election E2025/197. Nominations open on 16 February 2026 and close 4:00 pm AEDT on 10 March 2026. E2025-197 IEUA - Election Notice E2025-197 IEUA - Nomination Form
