2023 News

The IEU has significant concerns with the announcement by Curtin University that they will be introducing a one-year graduate diploma in education from next year. Quick fix responses to teacher shortages are short-sighted and threaten the quality and integrity of teacher training. Read details here of these issues raised with the WA government: IEU concerns with Curtin Uni announcement Fast-tracked programs run the risk of sending unprepared teachers into schools before they are ready. Teaching is a highly complex and demanding profession, we need to ensure that new graduates have the best possible practical skills and pedagogical knowledge to succeed in [...]

The IEU and our broader union family is mourning the passing of John Quessy. John dedicated his working life to education and workers' rights with over 30 years service as an IEU Organiser, NSW/ACT Branch President, Federal IEU President and NSW/ACT Branch Secretary. John made an extraordinary contribution to our largest state Branch. He was instrumental in supporting the IEU's development and growth as a key national union during his term as Federal IEU President. Our NSW/ACT Branch has posted a tribute to John here: Statement on the passing of John Our thoughts are with John's wife Magda, his children Josh [...]

The IEU welcomes the federal government's investment in a range of educational resources aimed at reducing classroom disruptions. Read here about what's needed to ensure effective learning environments for all students in all schools: IEU Speaks on disruptive classrooms Teachers are not solely responsible for addressing student behavior, a long term solution will require significant action by school employers and governments.  

New federal protections come into operation today (6 December 2023) that limit the misuse of insecure fixed term contracts. The education sector has been plagued by insecure contracts that undermine job security and continuity of student learning. Thousands of employees have been stuck in a cycle of consecutive short term contracts for no good reason. Read here how the new laws will support secure jobs and pay certainty: IEU Speaks on insecure fixed term contracts Union members have campaigned for years to secure these changes. Their action will make a difference to countless workers and their families.

Solidarity with Iranian Students ahead of 70th anniversary of Iranian Student Day The IEU condemns the continued repression of students, women, workers and academics in the Iranian education system. Read more here about the human rights abuses in Iranian universities and schools: Solidarity with Iranian Students 70th anniversary 2023 Australian Supporters of Democracy in Iran: https://www.facebook.com/groups/736448369830757/members/    

The 2023 WGEA gender pay scorecard shows progress with the gender pay gap reducing by 1.1% over the last 12 months to 21.7%. However, on average women are still earning less in all industries including in our schools and early childhood centres. Read here about the gender pay gap in education and the urgent work still to be done: IEU Speaks on the gender pay gap

Workplace delegates need rights & protections to undertake their vital role IEU delegates Abbey and Eugene will be appearing before today’s Senate inquiry into the Fair Work Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill to share their experiences as workplace representatives and the vital role played by delegates. Read why the Closing Loopholes Bill is needed to support delegates: IEU Speaks on the vital role of workplace delegates Delegates are at the centre of fair, cooperative and efficient workplaces; collective bargaining would fall apart without them. These unpaid, volunteer roles need and deserve basic rights and protections.  

Our next generation of teachers need more support to complete their studies With half of all student teachers failing to finish their teaching degree, we need a major rethink on how our next generation of teachers can be better supported to complete their studies and stay in the teaching profession. One obvious solution is to pay trainee teachers for their practical placements. It’s a no brainer – no one expects to work for free. Read here about the benefits of paid placements and the full range of changes needed to attract and retain new teachers: IEU Speaks on the need for paid [...]

Systemic teacher workload needs an ambitious & comprehensive response IEU members are fighting back against unsustainable workloads and incessant growth of administrative tasks and compliance paperwork. Long-term solutions will require improved conditions won by IEU member campaigns and collective bargaining. But it will also need a national intervention from governments, peak employers & education authorities. Read about our national plan here: IEU Speaks on National Priorities to Tackle Workload We need urgent action to stem the avalanche of process driven tasks and red-tape being imposed on teachers.

The IEU celebrates all our teacher members on World Teachers' Day! Friday, 27 October is a special day for a special group of people. Teaching is the profession on which all other professions rely, so this World Teachers' Day we are taking our hats off to all our amazing teachers. https://worldteachersday.edu.au/ You inspire, you support, you lead and you create the future. Happy World Teachers' Day!