Enterprise bargaining discussions are continuing across schools and education systems around Australia, with teachers and education support professionals increasingly raising concerns around workload, classroom conditions, staff retention, and cost-of-living pressures.

TPAA continues to advocate for stronger wages, fairer conditions, safer workplaces, and practical reforms that reflect the realities facing education professionals in 2026. As negotiations progress across multiple Agreements nationwide, TPAA remains committed to ensuring members have a strong and independent voice at the bargaining table.

ACT Public Schools

ACT Public Sector Education Directorate (Teaching Staff) Enterprise Agreement

TPAA knows ACT teachers are under increasing pressure, while bargaining discussions continue against the backdrop of growing workload concerns and deteriorating classroom conditions.

As negotiations have progressed, it has become increasingly clear that many teachers feel the existing bargaining structures are no longer delivering outcomes that properly reflect the realities of the profession.

TPAA has stepped forward to ensure teachers have stronger representation and a direct voice throughout the bargaining process. The ACT Education Directorate is currently conducting separate bargaining discussions with TPAA and other bargaining representatives, reflecting TPAA’s growing presence and the increasing number of teachers seeking alternative representation.

A recent Canberra Times article also highlighted the broader tensions currently emerging throughout ACT education bargaining discussions.

Victorian Public Schools

 Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022

TPAA continues advocating on behalf of members as bargaining discussions progress for the Victorian Government Schools Agreement, with six meetings now held with the Department of Education.

While many members were hoping a revised wage offer would be presented at the latest meeting on 5 May 2026, discussions between TPAA and the Department remained constructive and productive, with both parties continuing to work toward progressing negotiations in a meaningful way.

Further meetings are now expected to take place later in May as bargaining momentum continues. TPAA understands the growing frustration many teachers and education support professionals are feeling as cost-of-living pressures continue to rise across Victoria. Securing an agreement that properly reflects the value, workload, and professionalism of education staff remains a central focus throughout negotiations.

Members will continue to receive updates as bargaining progresses and significant developments emerge. TPAA remains committed to ensuring members are strongly represented throughout every stage of the process.

Queensland Catholic Schools

Catholic Employers Single Enterprise Collective Agreement – Diocesan Schools of Queensland 2023-2026 

Bargaining has now officially commenced for the Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2026, with TPAA formally appointed to represent members throughout negotiations.

TPAA’s Log of Claims has now been endorsed and submitted ahead of the first bargaining meeting scheduled for 15 May 2026. The claims reflect the priorities, concerns, and workplace issues raised directly by members and will guide TPAA’s position throughout negotiations moving forward.

TPAA has also carefully reviewed feedback received through the recent member survey regarding the Employer’s proposed claims. Member responses will play a direct role in shaping discussions at the bargaining table, with TPAA committed to ensuring those concerns are clearly and confidently represented.

This bargaining round will be an important one for teachers and education support professionals working across Catholic schools. TPAA remains committed to keeping members informed throughout every stage of the process, with ongoing updates to be provided following each meeting.

TPAA also thanks every member who took the time to complete the survey and contribute feedback. Member input continues to play a critical role in strengthening representation and shaping the direction of negotiations.

Victoria Catholic Schools

Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2026 (VIC)

TPAA returns to bargaining on Monday 11 May as negotiations continue for the Victorian Catholic Multi-Enterprise Agreement.

At this stage, TPAA has rejected the majority of claims proposed by the Employer, with serious concerns remaining around whether the current position delivers the level of wages and conditions education professionals deserve.

TPAA will continue pushing for a significantly improved offer at Monday’s meeting and remains focused on ensuring the concerns raised directly by members are strongly represented throughout negotiations.

Teachers and education support staff working across Victorian Catholic schools continue to carry significant responsibilities in increasingly demanding environments. TPAA believes that commitment must be recognised through meaningful improvements to pay, workplace conditions, and broader professional support.

A full update will be provided to members following the next round of discussions. TPAA encourages members to remain engaged throughout the bargaining process, with member support continuing to strengthen representation at the bargaining table.

What TPAA Is Advocating For

TPAA continues pushing for outcomes that address the real challenges teachers are facing every day, including:

• Genuine workload reduction measures
• Safer and more manageable classroom environments
• Realistic administrative expectations
• Stronger protections for experienced teachers
• Bargaining outcomes focused on retention as well as recruitment

These are not abstract bargaining concepts. They are the concerns consistently being raised by teachers working within the system every day.

Why More Teachers Are Choosing TPAA

TPAA was built as an independent professional association focused on practical workplace representation and member outcomes.

Teachers are increasingly looking for representation that prioritises workplace realities, listens to member concerns, and advocates strongly for meaningful change.  As pressures across the profession continue to grow, more education professionals are turning to TPAA for support and representation.

The Bigger Picture

Australia’s education challenges are no longer simply about attracting teachers into the profession. Retaining experienced educators and improving sustainable working conditions has become equally critical.

TPAA remains committed to advocating for bargaining outcomes that genuinely reflect the value, professionalism, and pressures facing teachers across Australia today.

If you want stronger representation and real action in your next EBA, now is the time to get involved. Complete the quick 2-minute form and appoint TPAA as your bargaining agent today.

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