All news
Consultative Committees: the pathway to change
The implementation of Consultative Committees in close to 150 Queensland Catholic schools reflects the strength of IEU members who have united to deliver the message to their employers that there are better ways to collectively manage workload, as IEU-QNT Assistant...
Employees must receive their full super entitlements
Millions of workers in Australia are still being denied their full super entitlements despite superannuation contributions having been legally mandated for over 30 years.
The experience of a lifetime
Following its hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the IEU-QNT and the Teachers Union of Alberta (Canada) teacher exchange program has restarted on the basis of shorter-term exchanges rather than the previous 12-month ones.
NSSAB review recommendations welcomed
Our union has welcomed the recommendations made in the final report following the Queensland Non-State Schools Accreditation Framework review.
New OECD publication on the impact of AI on equity in education
A recent OECD publication reviewing the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on equity and inclusion in education underscores the crucial role of ethical considerations in balancing the potential benefits of AI and mitigating the risk of exacerbating existing disparities, as IEU-QNT Research Officer Adele Schmidt writes.
Clarifying compliance to tackle teacher workload
Our federal union has collaborated with federal agencies to develop official advice for teachers in schools and early childhood education (ECEC) settings regarding compliance requirements.
Regional Queensland and Northern Territory students shine at Art Awards
Artistically talented students impressed the reviewers at Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art Design Awards 2024.
New model code released
IEU members need to ensure they familiarise themselves with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority’s (ACECQA) new National Model Code and Guidelines on taking photos in early childhood education and care.
New laws to criminalise sexually explicit AI deepfakes welcomed
Our union has welcomed the federal government’s action to strengthen protections against the non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit material, including AI-generated deepfakes, following an increase in image-based abuse targeting school staff and students.
$5000 TUH Future of Teaching Bursary could be yours this year
IEU members have an exclusive opportunity to receive a grant of $5000 to help bring their dream educational project to life.
New IEU voices on QCT and NT TRB
Our union congratulates Anna Pickering in Queensland and Cassandra Holland in the Northern Territory, who will represent members’ voices on their respective teacher registration bodies.
Early Childhood Education activism recognised
Two exceptional IEU members employed in the early childhood education sector have been recognised and celebrated for their ongoing activism and commitment to making a difference for staff in the sector.
Collective action reaps rewards for IGGS/IJGS members
IEU members employed at Ipswich Girls Grammar School (IGGS) and Ipswich Junior Grammar School (IJGS) have demonstrated the difference collective action and solidarity make.
25 years in the making: principal members win continuing employment
IEU principal members in the Rockhampton and Toowoomba Dioceses have won a 25-year battle to secure continuing employment.
Gender pay gap reaches record low
Improvements to wages and full-time job opportunities for women have seen Australia’s gender pay gap drop to the lowest on record according to Australian Bureau of Statistics wage data. ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O'Brien said the record-low gender pay gap was great...
Right to disconnect laws now apply
New laws allowing employees the right to disconnect from work are the latest in a suite of improvements to Australian workplace laws achieved through the union movement’s advocacy.
Lutheran employers indifferent to workload
Lutheran Education Queensland employers continue to ignore members and maintain a bargaining position that puts employees’ wages, workload and working conditions in last place.
Judges wowed by next generation of writers
Queensland school students with a flair for writing celebrated as part of the IEU-QNT and English Teachers’ Association of Queensland’s annual Literary Competition.
25 Years of IEU membership celebrated
170 IEU-QNT members have celebrated 25 years of membership this week.
Rocky Girls Grammar staff win on wages and reproductive health leave
IEU members at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School (RGGS) have secured significant wins related to wages and reproductive health leave as part of their new collective agreement.
School officer reclassified after IEU assistance
An IEU member employed in a school support staff role has successfully achieved a pay increase after our union’s assistance resulted in their reclassification to a higher level.
Tax time tips for IEU-QNT members 2024
Lodging your tax return is easier when you know what you can or can’t claim as a deduction.
QLD Anti-Discrimination Act changes deeply disappointing
The vital role school support staff play in non-government schools will be honoured and celebrated as part of School Officer Day celebrations held on Wednesday, 12 June.
Vital work of school officers honoured
The vital role school support staff play in non-government schools will be honoured and celebrated as part of School Officer Day celebrations held on Wednesday, 12 June.
IGGS & IJGS make history in first school strike
Teachers and school support staff at IGGS and IJGS took the first strike action in the school’s history this week as they continue their campaign for better working conditions.
Wages to rise for millions of Aussie workers
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) welcomes the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) decision today to increase minimum and award wages by 3.75%, which will deliver a real wage increase for 2.6 million workers.
Uni admits to multi-million dollar wage theft
After denying underpaying staff for two years, Deakin University has admitted to engaging in multi-million dollar wage theft.
Autism QLD fails to hear employees’ voices
Negotiations between IEU-QNT and Autism Queensland continue, as the employer fails to address key employee claims.
Wages and working condition wins for CCM schools
IEU members employed in Christian Community Ministries (CCM) schools have secured improvements to wages and working conditions after 86% of staff voted to accept a proposed replacement collective agreement.
What the 2024 federal budget means for IEU members
The 2024 federal budget has been welcomed by our union, as the Albanese government continues to repair the nation’s education system and deliver much-needed relief to IEU members and their families in a cost-of-living crisis.
IEU members unite in solidarity to celebrate the difference union makes
IEU members across Queensland and the Northern Territory have celebrated the difference collective solidarity makes, rallying in their thousands as part of Labour Day and May Day celebrations during the 4-6 May long weekend.
Now More Than Ever: National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) occurs every year between 27 May and 3 June, dates which mark historically significant milestones for First Nations People and Australia’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum and the historic Mabo decision.
NAIDOC Week 2024: Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud.
NAIDOC Week 2024 will be held between Sunday, 7 July and Sunday, 14 July and is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of First Nations Peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.
IEU welcomes paid practicum for teachers
Our union has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement to reduce the financial burden on student teachers by introducing government payment during a practicum.
New ACARA curriculum connection resources for AI
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has published new resources allowing teachers to better understand how artificial intelligence (AI) intersects with the curriculum.
IEU feedback on Queensland kindy review
A five-year review of the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines (QKLG) has allowed IEU members in early childhood education to share their feedback on proposed revisions to the guidelines.
ITE Symposium ahead of prac agreement renegotiation
Our union, along with the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU), are hosting an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) symposium for Queensland education stakeholders ahead of the renegotiation of a new practicum agreement in 2025.
Concern over consultation on new Education Bill
Our union has lodged a submission to the Education, Employment, Training, and Skills Committee.
IEU speaks on NSSAB Accreditation Framework review
A final report on the review of the Queensland Non-State Schools Accreditation Framework Review (The Review) was recently released.
Members’ voices heard on new QCE system
The University of Melbourne is evaluating the effectiveness of the new QCE system to ensure it meets the needs of stakeholders.
New delegate rights mean a stronger voice for members
IEU members will have an even greater voice at work thanks to new workplace delegate provisions in the Fair Work Act.
Ipswich Girls Grammar seeks to silence employees’ voice
Ipswich Girls Grammar School (IGGS) is seeking to force through an employer agreement already rejected by employees while staff are voting on whether to take protected industrial action.
IEU wins for members
Our union’s Industrial Team has recently achieved significant wins for members, including challenging an unfair dismissal, defending a member against untrue allegations, and maintaining accommodation entitlements.
IEU members set to unite in solidarity for Labour Day & May Day
IEU members across Queensland and the Northern Territory are set to celebrate the difference collective solidarity makes as part of Labour Day and May Day celebrations this coming long weekend (4-6 May).
Workers in feminised industries urgently need pay rise
Workers in key feminised industries should receive at least a 9 per cent pay rise, according to the ACTU.
One workplace death too many
IEU-QNT members paid our respects to workers who lost their lives or were injured due to a workplace incident.
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.