Deb James says farewell to members after 33 years working in the independent education sector.

David says he is really excited to be taking on the role of General Secretary of the union that he joined as a graduate teacher in 1989.

Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville is probably the only school in Victoria where Yothu Yindi’s iconic 80s anthem Treaty signals the end of a class.

Worowa is not your average school. Although based in Victoria, students primarily hail from remote communities in central and western Australia and when The Point visited recently, student attendance numbers at the boarding school were down, for good reason - small planes couldn’t land to pick up pupils because of extensive flooding.

For too long, many Education Support Staff have languished on classification levels that do not reflect their role, tasks, and responsibilities. We’ve been working hard to fix this.

Deb has been with the IEU and its precursors, at state and federal level, for 33 years. She’s overseen its growth, championed crucial reforms, and won countless battles on behalf of members.

The IEUA is disappointed that the reporting date for the review of religious exemptions for educational institutions in Federal anti-discrimination law has been extended by eight months.

The IEUA’s submission to the Teacher Education Expert Panel (TEEP) insists there is a need for “ongoing support for teachers at every level of their career”.

ACTU President Michelle O’Neill wants the federal government to establish a National Energy Transition Authority to ensure fossil energy workers are supported in the transition to renewable energy.

The IEU calls for federal legislation that protects all employees from discrimination, in line with Australia’s human rights undertakings.

“Boys in particular are presenting teachers with an ever-increasing catalogue of behavioural issues which are testing the resolve of even the most experienced educators,” writes Gary Warren.

IEU General Secretary Deb James has formally announced her retirement in a letter to members.

Congratulations to Andy Basterfield, IEU Rep Rep from MacKillop Family Services Geelong, who has been presented with the Geelong Women’s Union Network Woman Unionist of the Year Award at the recent Geelong Trades Hall dinner.

IEU Reps discuss the positive impact of new workload provisions in their schools.

Many schools have fully embraced workload measures from the proposed Victorian Catholic Agreement, and their example proves how beneficial the changes can be for staff and students.

Despite all the detail and technicalities of the deal, the most important thing to remember is that it’s all about tackling workloads and improving our working lives.

The union movement is supporting the Voice to Parliament because it is about giving indigenous people a chance to have a say on laws that pertain to them.

During the 12 months since last IWD, union members have kicked goals to improve the lives of working women.