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Securing a pro-teacher AI agenda and enforceable workplace protections Australian teachers are embracing AI faster than many of their international counterparts, but technology alone will not solve the workload crisis facing the profession. Read more here: IEU Speaks on securing a pro-teacher AI agenda Our union is advocating for enforceable protections, meaningful consultation, paid training and guarantees that AI is used to support education professionals rather than replace or undermine them. A fair AI future must put teachers, support staff and students first.

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 [...]

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

The Thriving Kids Advisory Group Report, released by the federal government today, makes recommendations aimed at addressing the needs of children and students under nine years of age with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. IEU members working in ECEC and schools have frequently highlighted the increasing gap between the number of children and students presenting with additional support needs and the capacity for timely intervention provided by allied health and other support professionals. Read full details here: IEU Speaks on the Thriving Kids Initiative The IEU will continue to advocate for ongoing and meaningful consultation with [...]

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.

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 and policymakers the many areas where AI is already affecting schools and education workers. Consistent national protections are essential given the pace of AI development and the escalating use of new [...]