The IEU Principals Sub Branch meeting on 17 May highlighted significant systemic, industrial and leadership issues across dioceses.
In Wilcannia-Forbes, engagement is underway to address remote workload and wellbeing challenges. Wollongong remains stable and negotiations regarding the WPA (which is embedded in the EA) are being discussed. Wagga Wagga is facing challenges around payroll and investigation processes.
In Sydney, the new Executive Director is fostering authentic consultation and reform, especially around principal tenure rules, principal workload, and WPA review.
Parramatta is in deep organisational flux, with major cuts impacting leadership stability and educational support. Principals report overwhelming structural changes and financial pressures, including potential increases in class sizes.
Maitland-Newcastle has recently experienced a significant positive change in governance, with temporary appointments and concerns over centralised, non-educator leadership. Office support for teaching and learning remains inadequate.
Shared concerns across dioceses include principal change fatigue, reduction in centralised curriculum support and a lack of transparent consultation.
Canberra and Goulburn showed positive momentum in curriculum reforms and finance training, while Broken Bay raised the matter of mandatory faith-formation travel.
Overall, the IEU continues to advocate for stability, consultation and practical workload solutions.
Published in the June 2025 edition of Newsmonth. Compiled by Lyn Caton (Assistant Secretary) and Monica Crouch (Managing Editor)
