Victorian public school teachers, principals and education support staff are calling for the state government to commit to a 35 per cent pay increase and improved conditions in the next Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA).
The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian Branch has unveiled a stark comparison of salaries across the country, with Branch President Mr Justin Mullaly saying low pay and public school funding cuts mean that the state government cannot rightfully call Victoria ‘the education state’.
“Victorian students are set up for success when their teachers, principals and education support staff are supported to stay in the profession,” Mr Mullaly said.
“Right now, Victoria’s public schools are the lowest funded in the country, and our teachers are the lowest paid, with education support staff and school leaders also undervalued.”
Mr Mullaly said there is a “huge disparity” in public school salaries between Victoria and every other state and territory.
“For example, next year an experienced teacher working in Wodonga would be $15,359 better off a year, or $295 a week, by crossing the Murray and teaching in a public school in Albury.
“In 2026, an experienced Victorian teacher will be paid $118,063 compared to $133,422 for an experienced teacher in NSW. At the entry level, a Victorian teacher will be paid $79,589 compared to $92,882 in NSW.
“Only three in ten Victorian public school staff intend to stay working in public schools until retirement, and nearly 40 per cent are uncertain about continuing to work in Victorian public schools.
“The government must get serious about addressing the workforce shortage in our public schools. That means decent pay and conditions to attract and retain our public school teachers, principals and education support staff, increased classroom supports and smaller class sizes,” Mr Mullaly said.
The AEU log of claims for the next VGSA includes:
- a 35 per cent pay increase for all public school staff over the life of the agreement
- smaller class sizes so every student can have greater individual attention and support
- increased allied health and classroom support for students
- modern and flexible working arrangements
- significant improvements to working conditions, including workload reductions and less unnecessary administration requirements.
The AEU received 716 sub-branch submissions, representing the views of tens of thousands of teachers, principals and education support staff, to the union’s log of claims process.
Thousands of new members have joined the AEU since the beginning of the year, and hundreds attended a rally outside Deputy Premier Ben Carroll’s office last month.
“AEU members are highly engaged, ready to campaign for themselves and for the students they work with,” Mr Mullaly said.
“Public school teachers, principals, and education support workers are dedicated, hardworking professionals. They require the state government to back them in with the same dedication.”
