News & Publications

Today marks an important step towards ending discrimination loopholes that continue to affect staff and students in faith-based schools. Read more here: IEU Speaks on Bill to close discrimination loopholes The private member's Bill introduced by Allegra Spender MP would reform discrimination exemptions in faith-based schools. The proposal reflects recommendations that have been under consideration for years and seeks to protect staff and students from discrimination while maintaining a school's identity. The IEU is calling on the federal government to meet their 2022 commitment to update the laws and deliver fairer protections while respecting the special character of religious schools.

While the PISA results confirm that Australian teachers continue to provide high-quality education, teachers and their unions know that these achievements are being delivered despite workforce shortages, unsustainable workloads and the increasing complexity of classroom environments. Read more here: IEU Speaks on PISA 2026 The PISA results provide an opportunity for governments and employers to work with education unions to ensure teachers have the resources and autonomy needed to support diverse student cohorts in all educational settings. If Australia wants world-class results, it must provide world-class support for teachers.

At a time when teachers, school leaders and school support staff are under more pressure than ever from increasingly complex student needs, unsustainable workloads, the onslaught of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and escalating rates of gendered violence, some political figures have chosen to spread disinformation and disrespect. Read full details here IEU Speaks on attacks against the teaching profession Recognising the threat posed by gendered violence and conducting consent and respectful relationships education in schools is not “anti-boy”. It is a way forward to a society that values all its members and does not produce young people who speak and act in [...]

This Father's Day, the IEU is urging employers and the broader community to continue challenging outdated stereotypes about parenting and care.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  

Non-government schools, including faith-based schools, make up an important part of our nation's educational landscape. Recent developments have highlighted the need for reform to ensure taxpayer funding is spent responsibly and directed towards its intended purpose: supporting student learning, educational outcomes, and the needs of school communities. Read full details here: IEU Speaks on the need for greater funding transparency The IEU is calling for stronger transparency and accountability in the use of public funding by non-government schools. Every public dollar invested in education should be accountable and focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for students.