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The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has declared the results of the IEU Officer elections conducted February - March 2023. The IEU federal positions were uncontested. Full details of the AEC election report and declaration of results are here: E2022-228 IEUA - Post Election Report E2022-228 IEUA - Declaration of Results (Uncontested) Congratulations to the various IEU Officers and Federal Executive members.  

The federal government's review of initial teacher education must prioritise the support and welfare of our next generation of teachers. Read about the review and the many challenges faced by early career teachers here: IEU Speaks on Review of Initial Teacher Education The IEU will be sharing the insights and experiences of our 75,000 members to help inform the review. It is one of many repairs needed to an education sector in crisis and a teaching profession desperately in need of more support.

International Women's Day on 8 March 2023 will celebrate the achievements of women across the world, while also rallying a call to action on the urgent changes still needed to create a safer and fairer world for women and girls. Read more about IEU members uniting to #EmbraceEquity: IEU Speaks on International Women's Day 2023 The last 12 months have seen significant reforms and greater legal rights for women - we have more to do to address the gender pay gap, underpaid female industries and gendered violence. As always, it will be our union members, activists and female leaders driving the [...]

This year's referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution is a historical step towards true reconciliation. The Voice will provide a simple, fair and unifying message - and the IEU is proud to support the 'Yes' campaign launched this week. Read more here: IEU Speaks on A First Nations Voice A First Nations Voice aligns with our core union values of consultation, representation and inclusion. A successful referendum will deliver long-overdue recognition and respect of our First Nations IEU members and their communities.  

The IEU welcomes the opportunity to participate in the federal government's Early Years Summit being held at Parliament House on Friday, 17 February 2023. The Summit and Early Years Strategy consultation process is an essential step for early childhood education (ECE) practitioners to share their insights on the current state of early childhood education. Our union represents thousands of ECE teachers and education assistants across the country, they will be sharing their lived classroom experiences and highlighting the changes needed to deliver the best outcomes for our students and families. Read full details here:  IEU Speaks on the Early Years Summit

The federal government's review of the special discrimination privileges for faith-based schools is long overdue.  The IEU welcomes the review and the opportunity for our members to share heartbreaking stories of discrimination they have endured due to sexual orientation, marital status and pregnancy. Such treatment would be unlawful in any other workplace. The special employer exceptions that allow for these situations must end. Read more here: IEU Speaks - Our members deserve to work free from discrimination

The IEU welcomes the federal Labor government's Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill that has been passed in the federal parliament. Read here how these laws will support thousands of IEU members and their families: IEU Speaks on passing of new IR laws IEU members joined union members from across the country in campaigning for these laws - your strong collective voice has made a real difference. These changes are a great start, and we will have more to do in the new year to fully restore fairness to Australian workplaces.  

The IEU has provided a detailed submission in response to the federal government's draft Teacher Workforce Action Plan. You can read our full submission here: IEUA Submission to draft teacher workforce strategy action plan Dec 2022 The federal government is to be commended for their collaborative approach to developing a response to teacher shortages; however, the plan needs more work to deliver tangible outcomes to improve teacher retention as outlined in our union's submission.        

Australian workers and their families need these laws changed now!     IEU members with family or caring responsibilities struggle daily to balance their work and home commitments. The Labor government’s Secure Jobs, Fair Pay Bill will deliver vital support to these members. READ MORE HERE:  IEU Speaks on need for flexible work changes Access to a period of staggered hours or a move from full-time to temporary part-time can make the world of difference to members drowning in their efforts to balance work and home. Despite a predictable scare campaign by big business and some hostile employer groups - these changes [...]

Public consultation is underway on the Teacher Workforce Action Plan - time for teachers to have our say. Read more here: IEU Speaks on draft Workforce Action Plan The next step to finalise a national response to staff shortages is crucial as IEU members review the draft plan released by the federal government. More work will be needed to deliver a final plan that tackles the underlying causes of staff shortages - unsustainable workloads, teacher burnout and stagnating pay. We need a plan that provides a stronger commitment by employers to increase their investment in these critical areas.