Negotiations continue between the IEU, Catholic Employment Relations and Catholic systemic school employers over three enterprise agreements (EA) for principals in this sector.
In meetings conducted over recent weeks, talks have been constructive, with consensus reached on several items, while other matters remain under active consideration or dispute.
Pay rises confirmed
Agreement has been reached on a three-year EA term and employers have confirmed pay increases will flow to principals in line with wage rises for teachers and support staff in their schools.
However, the union is still advocating for improvements to key conditions affecting principal wellbeing, with further discussions scheduled in Term 3 with individual diocesan directors.
The IEU is calling for superannuation on the full duration of paid parental leave, a fairer approach to workers compensation top-ups and greater consistency in vehicle allowances.
Progress includes employer openness to standardising travel reimbursements and including a cultural and ceremonial leave clause.
Sticking points
Access to child protection records remains a critical sticking point.
The union insists that principals must be able to view documentation relevant to investigations concerning them, highlighting legal and wellbeing concerns.
While employers await advice from the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG), the union maintains pressure to preserve and expand current protections.
Meal breaks and long service leave flexibility were raised, with the union proposing the removal of the two-week minimum threshold for blocks of long service leave.
Employers acknowledge the importance of wellbeing but are cautious about enshrining such provisions in the EA.
Simplifying salary bands
Discussions on the classification structure are focused on simplifying the banded salary system, ensuring workload equity in smaller schools within Bands 1 to 3, and resolving anomalies such as salary reductions for principals who move between schools.
A proposal to introduce a new band for schools with more than 1800 enrolments and a K–12 school allowance is under review, with the union gathering supporting data.
The issue of tenure continues to be a point of divergence and will necessitate ongoing dialogue.
The IEU will continue consultations with dioceses and principal members in the coming weeks, push for industrial clarity on unresolved matters and prepare updated communications for members. These negotiations remain a critical opportunity to strengthen conditions for school leaders across the sector.
This article was published in the August 2025 edition of Newsmonth.
