The IEU and our incredible preschool ambassadors have been working hard to secure fair funding for community preschools.
We have been busy building support for the campaign inside Parliament House, amplifying your voices and experiences to put pressure on the government. With several prominent MPs already standing with us, the movement towards change is only growing.
Here are some of the key moments in the campaign so far …
Parliamentary lobbying days: 10-11 September 2025
The IEU team and Ambassadors spent two days at NSW Parliament House meeting more than 30 MPs from all sides of politics to get their support and put pressure on the Minns Government to fund wage increases for community preschools. This was an important opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of poor pay and conditions on teachers, educators, parents and children, as well as the wider community.
Following our meetings, several MPs, including Sarah Mitchell, Richie Williamson, Paul Toole, Kevin Anderson, Justin Clancy and Brendan Moylan gave Notice of Motions in Parliament calling for NSW government to provide fair funding.
Parliamentary morning tea: 14 October 2025
The IEU held a morning tea at NSW Parliament House to raise awareness of the preschool campaign. It was hosted by Blue Mountains Labor MP Trish Doyle and Barwon Independent MP Roy Butler. The event was well-attended by politicians, including Greg Piper, Phil Donato, Helen Dalton, Liesl Tesch, and Emily Suvaal. Trish Doyle, along with Pittwater Independent MP Jacqui Scruby and Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell, addressed the event and spoke in support of community preschools and increasing government funding to raise staff wages.
Day of Action: 15 October 2025
Our IEU Day of Action was a HUGE success. More than 1000 supporters from preschools across the state gathered in Sydney’s Martin Place.
Hundreds more mobilised in Lismore and Coffs Harbour, demanding the NSW government value the vital roles they play as stewards of our youngest learners. What we saw that day was a powerful collective of creative, passionate teachers and educators fighting for the jobs and services they love.
IEU ECEC Organiser Tina Smith was the MC for the event and energised the crowd with her cheers and chants. Speakers at the Martin Place rally included our Preschool Ambassadors Janene Rox, from Cronulla Preschool, and Melinda Gambley, from Clunes Preschool, as well as Greens MLC Abigail Boyd, Nationals MLC Sarah Mitchell and IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews.
As Janene said in her speech, “Let this day of action send a clear message. We are not backing down.”
The rally was covered extensively in the media – on radio, evening TV news bulletins and newspapers such as The Daily Telegraph. NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman issued a media release, and several videos, in support of the campaign for better pay and conditions.
Next steps
The IEU and our preschool ambassadors will be back in the Fair Work Commission on Monday 24 November, making the formal case for fair funding. In the meantime, we will continue to advocate for you in NSW parliament.
Want to help?
Use our new ‘Share your story’ tool to discuss your experience with community preschools and the impact of poor funding – the good, the bad and the ugly. By sharing your experience, you help shine a light on the impact of unfair funding and workforce shortages. Your story is powerful and helps strengthen our collective call for change.
This update is part of the November 2025 EXEC Extra enewsletter. Stay across all our updates for early childhood teachers on our ECEC page or via our Facebook community group for members only.
