The Guardian 28 February, 2007
Victorian teachers put Bracks on notice
Victoria’s public school teachers will make a stand on pay and conditions and the status of teachers, putting the Bracks Government on notice that they are prepared to take industrial action if necessary. The Victorian Branch of the Australian Education Union (AEU) wants fewer teachers on contract employment and improved career paths. Teachers want a 10 percent pay increase a year for three years.
The AEU has called on the State Government to increase salaries and ensure ongoing employment for teachers in line with other states in its budget submission last week.
Branch President, Mary Bluett, said that poor pay and a high level of contract employment was discouraging new teachers from the profession.
"Victoria has the lowest education funding of any state, our teachers are paid up to 11 percent less than their NSW counterparts", Ms Bluett said.
She pointed out that this is contributing significantly to teacher shortages and, together with contract employment, is driving many teachers out of the government school system.
"Victoria’s public education system is a cornerstone of our society. However, in schools where disadvantage and social dislocation are developing trends, more resources need to be provided to enable students to achieve."
The AEU says a key challenge for Victoria is to provide equality of opportunity for all children to "lead successful lives in the future".
"Quality teachers are the basic ingredient for quality education, and addressing the current teacher shortage is crucial to providing a public education system that supports the needs of every student."
Many teachers are struggling to gain permanent employment, with over 60 percent of teachers under 25 in fixed term or contract positions. Over all, nearly 18 percent of Victoria’s public school teachers are not in permanent positions and this is very discouraging for new entrants who start in the profession with poor conditions and no job security, the union warns.
The AEU has also called for range of other measures in its submission, including:
Government-funded preschool education on a free and universal basis for all four year olds, and for three year olds from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Increasing the equity funding component for school funding to five percent over the next four state budget periods to assist schools with students most in need.
Increasing TAFE funding up to the national average within three years, to provide additional places, more teachers and improved facilities.
Continuing the restoration of school infrastructure.