Education Minister Ben Carroll has pledged a “proper pay rise” for teachers in Victoria after a recent report highlighted the state’s failure to meet minimum funding commitments for government schools. This declaration follows the release of findings from a Commonwealth-appointed watchdog that identified Victoria as the only Australian state not fulfilling its funding obligations.
In a speech delivered last week to a business forum, Carroll acknowledged the significant contributions of Victorian teachers, particularly in achieving this year’s leading results in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). He indicated that the current enterprise bargaining agreement with teachers is set to expire at the end of next month, emphasizing that a substantial pay increase would be the best way to recognize their efforts.
Carroll pointed out that Victorian teachers are currently the lowest paid in the nation and deserve wages that reflect their important roles. While he did not specify an exact figure for the proposed pay rise, he described a fair compensation package as one that allows career teachers to effectively plan their financial futures.
The Australian Education Union (AEU) welcomed Carroll’s comments but expressed skepticism regarding the state government’s commitment to increasing resources for public schools. Union president Justin Mullaly highlighted that recent budget allocations for the upcoming year do not indicate any additional funding for staff or salary increases. He reiterated the sentiment among teachers that they feel “completely abandoned.”
The context of Carroll’s promise unfolds amid ongoing negotiations between the state and federal governments over a long-term funding agreement. This agreement is essential for fulfilling Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s pre-election promise to fully implement the Gonski reforms, which aim to address educational disparities across Australia. Although Victoria signed a heads of agreement with the Commonwealth in January 2024, it has yet to finalize a comprehensive deal, unlike other states that have secured agreements with the federal government.
The situation has become increasingly contentious, particularly after revelations that the Victorian government had secretly cut $2.4 billion from state school funding. This decision pushed back the timeline for fully funding its share of the Gonski reforms from 2028 to 2031, raising concerns among educators and advocates for improved educational resources.
As the discussions on funding continue, the future of teacher salaries and school resources remains uncertain. Carroll’s recent commitment may represent a step towards addressing these pressing issues, but many in the education sector are watching closely to see if promises will translate into tangible support for Victoria’s public schools.
