News & Publications

Historic ECEC pay rises are now protected Confirmed federal government funding to lock in pay rises for ECEC workers is a major step forward for early childhood education. Read here about the union collective agreement and federal government investment that is rebuilding the ECEC sector: IEU Speaks on government support for higher ECEC wages A stable and fairly paid workforce is essential to delivering the early learning environments that all Australian children and families deserve.

At a time when digital proficiency and equitable access are indispensable for modern education and employment, digital education must be effective, inclusive and accessible for all students. Governments and employers must ensure that schools, particularly in remote and regional communities and those serving First Nations and disadvantaged students, have the resources and time to deliver high-quality information and communication technology (ICT) skills to all students. Read about the findings of the latest national technology literacy results and the need for support for teachers to address the decline in digital proficiency amongst students: IEU Speaks on declining digital literacy standards Achieving equitable [...]

Workplace flexibility must keep pace with an ageing population and growing caring responsibilities As Australia’s population ages and caring responsibilities increase, more education professionals are juggling demanding roles at work and at home. Read about the practical reforms needed to ensure workplace flexibility keeps pace with these changes: IEU Speaks on balancing work and family care The education workforce needs stronger rights to flexible work and practical support for implementation at the school level.

Correcting misleading NCCD compliance advice circulating in schools Incorrect advice about NCCD compliance has been provided by several non-government school employers. The IEU confirms there are no changes to 2026 NCCD requirements. Read our full statement to ensure you have the correct information: IEU Speaks on misleading NCCD compliance advice Any members experiencing pressure to undertake work beyond current NCCD requirements should contact their relevant IEU Branch for immediate advice and support

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, [...]

In 2024, union advocacy delivered historic federal government support for improved early childhood education and care (ECEC) wages. The IEU is urging the federal government to make a lasting commitment to this achievement by permanently funding fair and sustainable wages in long day care services. Read full details here: IEU Speaks on extending government support for ECEC wages Permanent funding of fair wage increases in long day care services is essential to ensuring workforce stability and safeguarding the future of a high quality ECEC sector.