The Independent Education Union (IEU) is developing detailed protocols to guide the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces and is calling for enforceable AI implementation agreements, including guaranteed consultation and job security.
In short
- The IEU is securing a pro-teacher AI agenda and calling for enforceable workplace protections.
- Recent reports have highlighted that Australian teachers are fourth highest users for use of AI.
- Our union continues to campaign to reduce workloads and ensure appropriate safety protections for teachers.
Recent reports confirm that Australian teachers rank the fourth-highest use of AI and the third-highest levels of stress among teachers across OECD countries in 2025.
AI in the education system
Australian teachers have adapted rapidly to AI compared with their international counterparts, in part to help offset unsustainable workloads and declining levels of professional satisfaction.
The education workforce is increasingly using AI tools to reduce workloads and administrative demands.
School staff must be consulted on the evaluation and implementation of these tools to uphold their professional autonomy and ensure AI supports, rather than undermines, educational outcomes.
In our recent submission to the Joint Select Committee on AI, our union continued to advocate for a range of worker protections:
- AI implementation agreements that include guarantees on job security, skills and training, transparency in the use of AI, privacy, and the safe storage of data. Employers must consult meaningfully with employees and their union, either through standalone implementation agreements or relevant collective bargaining consultation provisions.
- AI-related policy responses and changes to school practices should be evaluated for their impact on already unsustainable teacher workloads. All AI-related training and professional development should occur during paid working time.
- Equitable access to AI technologies and digital infrastructure must be guaranteed for all students, regardless of sector or background.
Union support
IEU Federal Secretary Brad Hayes said our union continues to campaign to reduce workloads and ensure stronger workplace protections for teachers.
“Our union is developing detailed protocols to guide the use of AI in workplaces and joins the ACTU in calling for enforceable AI implementation agreements, including guaranteed consultation and job security,” Mr Hayes said.
“The union movement is also calling for a licensing regime for AI models, including proactive risk mitigation requirements for AI developers and deployers in Australia,” he said.
“The IEU welcomes the new AI Safety Institute, which helps ensure AI developers comply with Australian laws, and the Office of AI, established by the Prime Minister to coordinate a national response to the impacts of AI, support secure jobs and build sovereign AI capability.”
Access the full IEU Speaks via the federal IEU website here.
