All news
New workload tool targets teacher burnout
Unsustainable workloads in schools remain the primary reason behind record-low levels of teacher recruitment and retention.
Improved pay and conditions for VET trainers crucial to elevating the status of sector
Our union has called for urgent improvement to the wages and working conditions of staff employed in the VET sector.
School principals at breaking point under oppressive workloads
New results from the annual Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey highlight the urgent need for action to address the health and wellbeing of school leaders.
Report into special discrimination privileges for schools long overdue
Special privileges to allow discrimination continue to be granted to faith-based schools.
Close the Gap Day 2024
Thursday 21st March marks Close the Gap Day 2024, and our union encourages members to contemplate the persisting gap in outcomes between First Nations and non-First Nations Peoples.
Increased paid parental leave will help tackle gender pay gap
New laws to increase Australia’s government-funded paid parental leave to 26 weeks were passed in the Senate this week, a significant win for working families.
QCT Board Election 2024: IEU member nominations sought
IEU members in Queensland have the opportunity to ensure their voice is heard on the state’s professional regulatory body with Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) Board election now underway.
Award system lets down women and carers
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has outlined a suite of changes needed to improve Australia’s employment Awards to better reflect the needs of a contemporary workforce.
Child Protection workers forced to stop work
NSW Child Protection workers, who answer after-hours hotline calls from the public reporting at-risk kids, stopped work for two hours this week over chronic overwork, arbitrary staff suspensions and unreasonable workplace directives.
Reproductive health is a union issue
The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) is calling for new laws that provide up to 10 days of paid leave for workers to treat and manage conditions related to reproductive health.
High Court dismisses employer backpay challenge
Toowoomba Catholic Education and Downlands College unsuccessfully sought to challenge a decision of the Federal Court.
Super on paid parental leave historic step towards gender equity
Australian unions have welcomed the federal government’s announcement that superannuation will be paid on top of government paid parental leave from 1 July 2025.
IEU/QTU AI Decision-Making Framework updated
An updated version of the AI and Digital Technologies in Education Decision-Making Framework is now available for members.
Teacher workload & staff retention must be part of NRSA solution
Federal Secretary Brad Hayes said a failure to address excessive teacher workloads may doom many of the proposed reforms to fail.
IEU feedback on Queensland’s Putting Queensland Kids First plan
Our union has lodged a submission to inform the development of the Putting Queensland Kids First early intervention package.
Queensland education unions Closing the Industrial Gap
Our union and the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) have released landmark industrial guidelines to establish just and fair benchmarks for the employment of First Nations education workers.
New ATPDF advisories online
Our union has released a range of member advisories on the updated version of AITSL’s ATPDF.
Addressing the barriers non-native English-speaking teachers face
Paul Giles writes regarding the negative impact of non-native English-speaking teachers being marginalised.
AI in schools: what it means legally
David Quinn, Special Counsel at Holding Redlich, examines where Australia’s legal response is up to when it comes to the AI race.
Workers’ wages finally rising
Australian unions have welcomed news working people’s wages are finally rising after years of going backwards.
Historic report reveals shameful gender pay gap
A new report reveals that some of Australia’s largest and most well-known employers are paying their women employees up to 40% less than male employees.
Members’ voice must be heard on early childhood teacher registration
IEU member feedback will be critical as the Northern Territory (NT) government seeks feedback on options for extending the teacher registration scheme in the Territory to early childhood teachers (ECT) working in non-school early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.
Greater investment needed to tackle disruptive student behaviour
Our union has welcomed the federal government’s investment in a range of free, evidence-based resources designed to help tackle disruptive behaviour in school classrooms.
New QCAA academic integrity toolkit
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has released a new toolkit to help teachers educate students about the concept of academic integrity and reinforce its importance.
Paid practicum crucial for future of teaching profession
The IEU-QNT has endorsed the Federal Government’s Universities Accord Final Report recommendation to reduce financial pressure on teaching students by introducing paid practicums.
IEU support secures over $5000 in backpay
An early childhood education member has successfully secured over $5,000 in backpay as a result of IEU support.
TUH Future of Teaching Bursary recipient announced
IEU member David Page-Dhu has been recognised as the recipient of the 2023 TUH Future of Teaching Bursary.
Celebrating the difference our many IEU members make
Our union’s most outstanding activists were presented with IEU Member Awards at 2023 Annual General Meeting – recognising their significant contributions to our collective.
Teacher exchange in 2024
IEU members employed in Brisbane, Cairns and Toowoomba Catholic schools or Queensland Anglican schools can participate in a fortnight-long teacher exchange to Alberta, Canada.
Labour Day/May Day celebrations 2024
In 2024, Labour Day/May Day celebrations will take place across the long weekend of 4-6 May.
‘Right to disconnect’ a key win for education workers
Our union has welcomed and commended the ‘right to disconnect’ being enshrined in legislation as part of the Closing Loopholes Bill.
Loopholes closed as major wins for Australian workers pass Parliament
The cumulative effect of these legislative reforms represents the biggest changes to workplace laws in the last 25 years.
Toowoomba members show the way on workload
IEU members working in Toowoomba Catholic primary schools are leading by example to make use of important new provisions to tackle workload.
Catholic employers seek High Court appeal against employee backpay
Toowoomba Catholic Education and Downlands College have sought leave from the High Court of Australia to appeal against last year’s Federal Court decision that two former teachers were entitled to pay increases contained in new collective agreements despite resigning before the increases took effect.
Member win on parental leave provisions
IEU members at Mancel College have welcomed a new collective agreement offering improved paid parental leave provisions.
Continuing contract secured through IEU support
An IEU member who had been on a fixed-term contract for 3 years has secured a continuing position.
Tesla workers take industrial action in Sweden
Elon Musk is in dispute with Swedish unions after more than two months of strikes.
Member PD on AI in schools a must
Upcoming IEU member-only professional development will cover critical topics for all school staff when it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Insecure jobs force vulnerable to work while sick
Half of workers in insecure jobs have continued working while sick or injured, according to new research from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
Major parts of Closing Loopholes Bill passed by Parliament
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Secretary Sally McManus said the union movement welcomed the passing of major parts of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023, which comes as an early Christmas present for working people.
Ensuring viable career pathways for First Nations education workers
Our union’s campaign to Close the Industrial Gap continues through our advocacy.
No Excuse – Invest to prevent violence against women and girls
25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which also marks the beginning of 16 days of action against gender-based violence.
Urgent support for workers blocked in Parliament
The passing of new legislation that would get wages moving and help restore the rights of working people is being blocked in Parliament following a shameful campaign by big business.
Queensland Catholic teachers allowed back pay despite resignation
A full bench of Federal Court judges has ruled two Queensland Catholic school teachers are entitled to pay rises secured by new collective agreements despite the employees resigning before the replacement agreements took effect.
Student teachers should be paid for practicum placements
With half of all student teachers failing to finish their teaching degree, a major rethink is needed on how the next generation of teachers can be better supported to complete their studies and stay in the teaching profession.
WorkCover wins for psychological injuries
Our union’s expert advice and support has helped two members secure successful WorkCover claims for work-related psychological injuries. IEU-QNT Industrial Officer Nick Sahlqvist said the recent cases reinforced the importance of contacting our union as early as...
Shocking rise in sexual harassment at universities
Sexual harassment in higher education workplaces has risen more than 52%, according to a new National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) survey.
Permanency secured after 12 years of fixed-term contracts
Our union has helped a school officer secure continuing employment status after experiencing 12 years of rolling fixed-term contracts.
Increase in parental leave welcomed
In a significant step towards promoting family well-being and gender equality in the workforce, the Australian government has introduced legislation to extend paid parental leave to 26 weeks by 2026.
$80,000 backpay secured for member
An IEU member has recently received over $80,000 in backpay after receiving support from our union.
Teachers wanted for academic research project
Dr Glenys Mann from Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education is seeking expressions of interest from teachers in the non-government education sector to participate in her upcoming research project.
Dos and don’ts of EOY functions
Avoid an uncomfortable situation with your employer upon returning to work.
Natural disaster leave – a necessary provision during an era of climate change
As we begin what will likely be a very hot summer season, IEU members should check whether they have access to natural disaster leave provisions in their collective agreement to be prepared for extreme weather events.
Middle Leader Professional Standards trial underway
The next stage of development is underway for the Middle Leader Professional Standards, with trials having commenced in Queensland schools during Term 4.
Fight for justice and change continues
Union members fight for change every day in their workplaces, industries, professions and communities.
AI implications for assessment practices
In many respects, the implications of AI on assessment practices have been more thoroughly considered than other, broader issues.
AI Framework endorsed but teachers remain waiting
Australia’s first Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools has been officially endorsed by Education Ministers, but the profession remains waiting to see a final copy.
Review of IEU Mentoring Program shows positive results
The findings from a review of the IEU Mentoring Program show that participating members have overwhelmingly found the program beneficial, with some providing suggestions for practical changes to improve future programs.
Increased resourcing necessary for Trade to Teach Internship Program
As the first cohort of Trade to Teach Internship Program participants near the end of their first year of university study, our union reiterates that alternative pathways to the teaching profession must be appropriately resourced and funded to successfully attract and retain quality teachers.
Transitioning from provisional to full registration: policy review
Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) has completed a review of their Transitioning from provisional to full registration policy following feedback from stakeholders, including our union. IEU-QNT Research Officer Dr Adele Schmidt said QCT completed consultation with...
IEU responds to AITSL’s draft induction guidelines
AITSL released draft guidelines for induction of early career teachers and new school leaders.
25 Year Members honoured
The IEU-QNT 25-year membership program recognises and celebrates long-standing members.
Catholic employers fail to listen
Queensland Catholic school employers have shamefully failed to hear members’ concerns and are essentially putting the same document that IEU members first rejected in October to a second ballot.
IEU members celebrated with Teach X Awards
As World Teachers’ Day 2023 approaches, our union is celebrating the achievements of IEU-QNT members who have been honoured with Teach X Awards.
Non-compete clauses increasingly prevalent
Our union has seen an increase in the frequency of non-compete clauses in employment contracts.
1.1 million reasons to be part of the IEU
Over $1.1 million in compensation, underpayments and allowances have been returned to members in the past year.
Unions win historic first for early childhood sector
Thousands of Australian early childhood teachers employed by long day care centres and other service providers are set for better wages and working conditions after a joint union application to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) was approved.
Worker fatalities in Australia remain shamefully high
The rate of workplace deaths in Australia remains shamefully high, with the latest statistics by Safe Work Australia reporting 195 workplace fatalities occurred in 2022.
Closing Loopholes Bill blocked
The ACTU have called for roadblocks in the way of the Bill advancing in Parliament to be removed.
Ballot outcomes and next action for Queensland Catholic school members
Teachers and support staff in nearly 300 Queensland Catholic schools across the state have voted no to an employer attempt to cut current working conditions.
Walk for YES this weekend
Gather your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, and join together to Walk for YES.
Queensland Catholic school staff voting no to attack on rights at work
Teachers and support staff in Queensland Catholic schools across the state are set to vote no to cuts to current working conditions as an employer document goes to ballot tomorrow.
Queensland students wow judges at art awards
Artistically talented students have impressed the judges at last night’s IEU-QNT Excellence in Art Design Awards.
Employers seek biggest cuts to Catholic school staff working conditions in 20 years
Queensland Catholic school employers seek ballot on a document that cuts many long-held working conditions.
Member action secures paid PD time
IEU members at a Queensland Catholic school have been allocated paid time to complete compulsory professional development.
IEU support secures long service leave payment
Our union’s advocacy has led to a member being paid out their long service leave (LSL) entitlement upon termination
Skyrocketing profits prompt price gouge claims
Big businesses are enjoying record profits while ordinary Australians struggle to cope with crippling cost-of-living pressures.
Chef exposes equal pay shame
A Melbourne chef proved she was paid $15,000 less than male chefs but her former employer won’t be held to account.
Judges wowed by Queensland students’ literary prowess
Queensland school students with a flair for writing were celebrated last night (23 August) as part of the IEU-QN) annual Literary Competition.
4000 teachers and school support staff strike to tell employers to hear our voice
Over 4000 IEU-QNT members across 106 Queensland Catholic schools took strike action today (Wednesday, 23 August) for one (1) hour between 10am until 11am.
Queensland Catholic school staff strike tomorrow
Over 4000 Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) members across 106 Queensland Catholic schools are taking strike action tomorrow (Wednesday, 23 August) for one (1) hour between 10am until 11am.
IEU gives feedback to federal government’s AI taskforce
Our federal union is continuing to ensure members’ voices are heard regarding the contentious issue of using AI in schools.
4000 Queensland Catholic school teachers and support staff to strike in over 100 schools next week
Over 4000 teachers and support staff in 106 Queensland Catholic schools will strike from 10am until 11am next Wednesday, 23 August 2023.
Have your say on Australian Curriculum Languages
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is leading a review of the P–10 Australian Curriculum Languages to ensure the needs of students are met now and in the future.
No new school initiatives without workload impact test
With unsustainable workloads and work intensification driving teachers out of the profession, workload impact tests must form part of any new school initiatives.
Thousands of Catholic school staff to stop work tomorrow
Thousands of employees across 34 Queensland Catholic schools will take protected industrial action tomorrow, Tuesday 15 August 2023.
Toowoomba school staff to stop work tomorrow, 15 August 2023
Hundreds of employees across 13 Toowoomba Catholic schools will take protected industrial action tomorrow, Tuesday 15 August 2023.
Queensland Catholic school teachers to lose a day’s pay over 5-minute strike
In an Australian first, thousands of Queensland Catholic school employees in over 100 schools are set to lose a full day’s pay for taking a five-minute work stoppage and a range of limited work bans on Tuesday, 15 August 2023.
QLD Catholic employers warned over 5-minute strike wage loss
Queensland Catholic employers have been warned against major wage deduction of employees’ pay over a five-minute work stoppage next week.
Union members win 18% pay rise for uni staff
National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) members have secured a sector-leading 18% pay rise for staff at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
National induction guidelines for new teachers and leaders
Draft guidelines for the induction of new teachers and school leaders released.
IEU advice helps member transition to retirement
Our union’s support has helped a member transition to retirement after their employer gave them incorrect advice. The member was interested in a reduction from five to three working days per week as part of a transition to retirement, as they are entitled to under...
IEU heard on Queensland VET strategy development
Our union has ensured members’ voices have been heard as part of the Queensland Government’s new VET strategy.
Flying Doctors leave Queensland nurses behind
Nurses employed by the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) in Queensland are fighting for better pay rates, with most currently receiving more than 25% less than colleagues in public and private hospitals.
Transitioning to retirement
Retirement from the workforce marks an exciting and significant milestone in a worker’s lifetime, and our union is here to support members through the process.
“Insulting” pay offer to NSW teachers slammed
2.5% wage offer slammed by public sector and non-govt sector unions
Applications for the $5000 TUH Future of Teaching Bursary are open
The TUH Bursary was designed with a clear purpose: to empower and support educators.
Exclusive teacher exchange opportunities to Alberta, Canada on offer
IEU members employed in Brisbane, Cairns and Toowoomba Catholic schools or Queensland Anglican schools are eligible to participate in a fortnight-long exchange to Alberta, Canada.
Initial Teacher Education report misses the mark
Recommendations miss the mark on addressing problems with Initial Teacher Education.
NSRA review an opportunity for profession
Renewal of National School Reform Agreement must consider resourcing excessive workloads.