Our union will host an online Principal Catch Up on Friday 15 May 2026 from 4:00-5:00pm (AEST).

Key topics for discussion include:

• Implementation of new entitlements
• Key legislative changes in 2026
• Updates on workload and wellbeing advocacy
• Sector‑wide industrial priorities for the year ahead

Click here to register.

It’s important for principal members in Queensland Catholic schools to be aware of IEU teacher and school support staff members’ collective bargaining campaign.

IEU members’ ACTION NOW! campaign outlines the key issues that need to be addressed by employers:

• ACTION NOW! …on addressing the workload crisis.
• ACTION NOW!…on wages that recognise the value of their work.
• ACTION NOW!…on implementing contemporary rights at work.
• ACTION NOW! …on the recognition of specialist and leadership roles.

The IEU member log of claims provides a vision to address these issues.

Claims include access to additional Planning, Preparation and Correction Time (PPCT), safeguards to ensure that any lost PPCT is replaced in a timely manner, reducing the number of PPCT periods that can be redirected to covers and ensuring adequate consultation and support when class compositions include high numbers of students requiring adjustments.

School officers and specialist staff are seeking contemporary recognition of their roles and contributions.

This includes updated and codified conditions for teachers of inclusive student support, instrumental music tutors, counsellors, staff in flexible learning environments, boarding school staff and primary school program leaders.

Members are calling for clearer role descriptions, appropriate release time, improved remuneration structures and provisions that reflect the growing operational demand placed on specialist and leadership roles.

Many of these claims aim to ensure that the conditions in schools keep pace with the complexity of modern schooling and the expectations placed on staff.

We recognise that principals play a central and often challenging role during bargaining.

As IEU members’ ACTION NOW! campaign continues, our union is available to support principals in navigating the impacts of collective bargaining in their schools.

Whether you would like further detail on specific claims, advice on the bargaining process or general industrial guidance, please reach out at any time.

Principals and school staff have reported a concerning rise in AI‑generated abusive messages, images, video and misleading communications directed at education professionals.

These can range from realistic‑sounding complaints or threats to deepfake images.

The speed and sophistication of these tools mean harmful or malicious content can now be created and distributed more easily and often anonymously.

For school leaders already carrying significant workloads, this new layer of digital risk can create stress, uncertainty and additional administrative burden.

To help protect yourself and your school community, a few practical steps can make a difference:

• Assume deepfakes are possible. If you receive audio, video, or screenshots that appear inflammatory, out of character, or unusually urgent, pause before reacting. AI‑generated media can now mimic voices, writing styles and visual likeness with convincing accuracy.
• Verify identity through a separate channel. If a message claims to be from a parent, staff member, student or journalist, contact them directly using a known phone number or email — never the details provided in the message itself.
• Look for digital inconsistencies. Deepfakes often contain subtle issues such as awkward pauses, unnatural facial movements, inconsistent timestamps, distorted backgrounds or phrasing that doesn’t match the sender’s usual communication style.
• Do not amplify or engage. Avoid replying to, forwarding, or attempting to “correct” deepfake material. This can legitimise the content or spread it further.
• Secure and document the evidence. Save the material, note the date and time and keep a record of how it was received. This information is valuable for IT, legal and protective processes.
• Report early. Notify your school’s IT/security team and our union promptly. Consider whether the incident should be reported to authorities such as police or the eSafety Commission. Deepfake incidents can escalate and should not be managed alone.
• Prioritise staff wellbeing. Remind staff that being targeted by fabricated material is distressing but not a reflection of their performance or professionalism. Encourage them to seek support immediately.

Our union is here to help members navigate these emerging challenges.

We can provide advice on assessing suspicious communications, assistance in drafting reports or complaints and support if AI‑generated abuse affects you directly.

If you encounter something concerning or simply want to discuss best‑practice protections, please contact our union.

Our union’s AI in the workplace fact sheet also provides timely advice about how all members can protect themselves from the risk of AI abuse.

Both Queensland and the Northern Territory continue to reflect the broader national trend of strong growth across the non‑government education sectors, particularly in Catholic and Independent schools.

Recent data shows that Queensland recorded one of the strongest annual increases in school enrolments nationwide in 2024 at 1.6%, with Independent schools in particular experiencing rapid expansion, consistent with their sector‑leading 18.5% enrolment growth nationally between 2019 and 2024.

These trends demonstrate that families are increasingly turning to non‑government schools, driven by demand for choice, tailored learning environments and diverse educational offerings.

The introduction of continuing, permanent employment for principals in the Brisbane, Toowoomba and Rockhampton Catholic Dioceses remains one of the most significant industrial achievements by our member principals in recent memory.

Throughout 2025, our union worked closely with members and employers to ensure the smooth transition away from fixed‑term contracting.

This shift has already delivered greater stability, clearer pathways and enhanced job protection for principals.

In 2026, we will continue monitoring implementation to ensure the spirit of these provisions is realised in practice.

Principal wellbeing remains a central concern across the education sector.

National research continues to highlight escalating workloads, increasing administrative demands and rising levels of stress among school leaders.

Our union has continued to advocate for:

• Reduced administrative burden.
• Improved access to professional support.
• Stronger systemic responses to occupational violence.
• Clearer expectations around after‑hours communication.

In 2026, we will be expanding our wellbeing initiatives, including new professional learning opportunities and targeted advocacy on workload reduction.

As a member‑led union, your insights and experiences drive our work. 

Whether you are navigating an industrial issue, seeking clarity on your entitlements or wanting to contribute to broader advocacy, our team is here to support you.

For industrial or bargaining‑related matters, please contact Industrial Services Officer John Tully.