AEU Journal November 2019

Vol 51 I No.4

Official publication of the Australian Education Union (SA Branch)

November 2019

AEUJOURNAL SA *

OUR GOODWILL * * * * * * OUR * * * CHOICE * GOODWILL friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings or attitude.

*

CHOICE an act or instance of choosing; selection.

*INSIDE:

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elections: Members have voted.

Full results inside.

*

u Wage

theft spreading: DfE latest to be caught out.

*

I N D U STR IA L: W AG E TH E F T

Wage theft/weidʒ Ɵeft/n.

1 The denial of wages or employee benefits rightfully owed to an employee, including failing to pay overtime, violating minimum wage laws, misclassification, illegal deductions and more.

2 See:

Wage theft – closer than you think

“2.4 million Australian workers had $3.6 billion in unpaid superannuation stolen from them last year.”

Don’t assume wage theft is confined to celebrity chefs and the private sector. It is prevalent in the Education Department.

classifications for the 2019 school year did not rank schools correctly as initial boundary values, chosen to preserve the overall distribution of classifications, did not reflect the work value relativities between each level.

T

he AEU is taking a stand against wage theft and recovering money owed to our members.

The Win: Country incentives We have been successful in reclaiming nearly $330,000 in underpaid country incentives zone allowance for our members.

The employer failed to pay country teachers the allowance after they relocated to another country school. This was achieved by the union through the SA Employment Tribunals. Members are now waiting for these payments to be made.

2

Underclassification We have identified underclassification as a major cause of wage theft in the department.

The union is representing a number of Aboriginal Education Workers who we believe have been underclassified and paid at level 1 instead of level 3 when working in secondary schools.

We are demanding this be addressed.

We are now investigating the classification levels of principals who we believe have been incorrectly paid.

We have notified the employer, asserting that the process to determine

The employer has yet to respond. A number of schools have become more complex or increased enrolments and we are assisting individual principals in ensuring they are properly classified.

Support staff As a result of union pressure the employer is conducting an audit of SSO and ECW 1 classification levels.

AEU proposals for the new enterprise agreement include a formal process to address this underclassification. n Any questions or concerns? Call the AEU Information Unit on 8172 6300.

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Cover photo: Full day Stop Work rally, Parliament steps – 1 July 2019.

Advertise in the AEU Journal. Reach over 13,500 members across South Australia.

8172 6300 journal@aeusa.asn.au

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AE U SA B RA NCH I N 2019

What a year!

As AEU Journal goes to press, Government negotiators are back at the bargaining table.

ber activism and engagement with parents and communities, we would not be holding these talks now.

Despite the Government forcing us into the South Australian Employment Tribunal to conciliate the matters traversed during bargaining, negotiators have done a backflip and are again prepared to talk directly with the AEU.

Despite Lucas’ bleating about not giving in to ‘union bosses’ and some members being called ‘Christmas Grinches’ for refusing to work additional hours in the evening, we have retained public support. Parents, who value our work with their children and communities, stand with us in supporting a strong public education system.

Members have mobilised in large numbers behind our claim, including massive rallies on July 1, followed by rolling stoppages and accompanying rallies holding politicians to account across the state. Without ongoing mem-

Congratulations to all members who stopped work, attended rallies, and communicated with parents. In particular, AEU sub-branch secretaries deserve recognition for their work in organising members and staying strong in the face of employer resistance.

Being back at the negotiating table means that we may receive a revised Offer from the Government this side of

Christmas. The decision to accept or reject any Government Offer lies with members.

In the event that a suitable offer is forthcoming from Government, subbranch secretaries will call meetings to discuss the offer and undertake a ballot of members. n 3

AEU ELECTIONS 2019

Your AEU Team for 2020 – 2021 Members have voted and the 2019 election ballot resulted in the following candidates forming AEU SA Branch Executive.

AEU SA Principal Officers LARA GOLDING President

JAN MURPHY

Female Vice President

DASH TAYLOR JOHNSON Male Vice President

LEAH YORK

Branch Secretary

Elected 2020 – 2022.

AEU SA Branch Executive HOWARD SPREADBURY

GRAHAM WOOD

ANN CLARKE

ADRIAN MAYWALD

President 2016 – 2019

Principal

Teacher

Principal

MARIKA MARLOW

TRISH GILBERT Teacher

MICHAEL STOETZER

KENDALL PROUD

Teacher

Teacher

Teacher

MATTHEW CHERRY Teacher

PENNY KARATZOVALIS

KATE MCAULEY

Teacher

Teacher

MICHELE APPLETON

STILL TO BE ELECTED

VICKI LACEY Teacher

SHIRLEY GOFF

ATSI Rep

SSO Rep

TAFE Rep

STILL TO BE ELECTED

Children’s Services Rep

The Australian Electoral Commission will conduct elections in 2020 to fill Branch Executive vacancies for the Children’s Services Sub-Division and TAFE Division.

4

PRESIDENT’S VIEW

Keep active, stay strong AEU President Howard Spreadbury reflects on recent achievements as he signs off.

I

n my last column as President of our great union, I want to acknowledge a number of advances we have achieved collectively in recent years.

We remain one of the strongest public sector unions in the state, however our sphere of influence depends upon our your activism within local communities. We have run strong campaigns targeting the Federal Government over school, preschool and TAFE funding and the State Government in our determination to achieve a fair and just enterprise bargaining outcome.

Strong action In the past year, members have exercised activism in a range of forms, including industrial action. We delivered strong messages to the Marshall Government that enhanced salaries and working conditions must be seen as an investment in the education workforce, our students and their future, and not portrayed to the community as a cost. This has seen the strongest member activism in over a decade.

As a result of these actions, the government returned to negotiations demonstrating a preparedness to improve on a number of matters contained in their initial offer.

Another significant achievement lies within the new Education and Children’s Services Act 2019. After extensive lobbying of politicians by members and officers, AEU representation on merit selection panels and school amalgamation and closure review committees was retained. This is a significant victory over the government’s ideological drive to strip our representation in these processes.

Half day Stop Work rally on 29 Nov. 2018

“We have seen the strongest member activism in over a decade.”

During 2018 we completed the two year process of adopting our Reconciliation Action Plan. This went through several iterations, with requisite support from Reconciliation Australia. The plan provides us with an initial two year framework for ensuring that reconciliation is owned by all of us and is reflected in everything the Union does, including at sub-branch level.

Staying strong Branch Executive has embarked on a plan for growth through a review of existing structures. The Future of our Union report included a number of recommendations which, when actioned, will progress a union that grows in numbers and collective strength through refreshed campaigning strategies, while providing better service for members requiring individual support.

It’s great to celebrate achievements whilst of course acknowledging there remains much work to be done in achieving current and future goals. We must finalise new enterprise agreements for members in preschools, schools and TAFE. We must resist moves by government to remove union representation from

the Teachers’ Registration Board. This body was established in the 1970s by the profession for the profession, to ensure rigorous monitoring of the standards expected of all teachers.

Our union must continue to be represented on the Board.

We have developed a three year strategic plan, which will inform our annual and team activity. Adhering to this framework will ensure we achieve our goals and maintain influence in the public education community. This is planning that not only encompasses growth but ensures continued member engagement in identifying priorities.

I believe that what matters to members is embedded in your passion for public education, your profession and your craft that you bring to work each and every day.

As unionists we are committed to improving the profession through ensuring that governments deliver the resources required to ensure public education remains strong and is the first option for parents.

We expect a system that supports us in our professional growth in order to deliver the highest quality education environments and outcomes for the students for whom we work so hard.

I look forward to continuing to serve AEU members as an elected member of Branch Executive. n In Unity, Howard Spreadbury 5

I N D U STR IA L: W E E K Z E RO

TAF E FOCU S

Back to School 2020 Teachers (including Band A and B leaders) are required under the Award to attend work on the Thursday and Friday immediately before the commencement of each school year.

This time is for teachers to prepare and plan for the coming school year.

Content Part-time teachers are required to attend on the Thursday and Friday, but as they are only paid their part-time fraction rate for these days, only need to attend on a fractional basis.

The program for the two days should be determined by the PAC in partnership with the principal. In setting the program, the PAC is required to consult with staff.

The focus of these days should be preparation and planning so teachers are ready for the school year. Adequate time needs to be provided to enable teachers to prepare for taking their classes. The workload of staff needs to be monitored so it is not unreasonable.

A common complaint is that this time is taken up with unproductive meetings and imposed professional development.

To ensure PAC involvement and consultation with staff, planning for these two days should occur in Term 4 of the preceding year. n

ACTION • PAC should consult with staff in Term 4 on the program for the Thursday and Friday prior to the new school year and ensure work-life balance and workload are taken into account.

• Sub-branches should meet in Term 4 to discuss the program for Week Zero to make sure it remains focused on teaching and learning.

6

TAFE EB update – We will not be bullied

T

he TAFE SA Educational Staff Enterprise Agreement expired on October 21. The last salary increase was paid in October 2018. The AEU formally notified our intention to negotiate a new enterprise agreement in May 2019 and provided proposals for bargaining on 31 July.

Despite a short meeting on October 15, meaningful negotiations have been slow to commence. This is concerning given the Treasurer’s statement that public sector salary increases will only take effect from the date of ratification of a new enterprise agreement, rather than being backpaid from the anniversary of the previous increase.

In a recent Indaily article Treasurer Lucas stated this policy “was designed to give unions the incentive to settle and settle quickly.”

He went on to say, “there is no incentive on you on behalf of your members to get off your backsides and settle the dispute.”

At its meeting on 15 November, AEU TAFE Divisional Council expressed concerns over both the delay, and what we expect will be the Government’s position

“Stand with all South Australian public educators and Wear RED for Ed on Wednesdays.” of attacking the conditions of hard working TAFE Lecturers, HPIs and Educational Managers. We also expect they will try to ignore the ever-increasing workload and administrative burden that detracts from educational delivery.

Clearly, the Treasurer’s tactic is to starve TAFE staff of a salary increase to pressure us to accept the Government’s agenda of contestability, privatisation and the paying of exorbitant salaries and bonuses to fat cat bureaucrats. As we know, this comes at the expense of quality provision of vocational education and training and fair and reasonable costs to students.

However, we will not be bullied. TAFE Divisional Council is resolute that we will stand united against the Marshall Government’s contempt for TAFE and the students and communities who rely on it. n

B RA NCH S ECR E TA RY ’S R E PO RT

Stronger together as union bosses

Half Day Stop Work rally on 29 Nov. 2018

It is an honour to be re-elected for a further three year term to serve our Union as Branch Secretary, writes Leah York.

I look forward to working with all members and continuing the process of modernising our Union. Together we will build power and strength to win for public education and the staff who make it great!

The Branch Secretary administers the affairs of the Union, including the democratic processes that ensure member voice is heard and acted upon.

While I would love to see increased engagement in our councils, committees and sub-branches, I understand many members are time poor. It is incumbent on the Union’s elected officers to present opportunities for members to debate and democratically determine our positions.

LOL – Lame old Lucas However, what is interesting is State Treasurer Lucas’ consistent line that ‘union bosses’ demand people take certain action, or are somehow not representing the views of members.

Of course, this is nothing new from the recycled Treasurer, but is in stark contrast to the way the AEU functions.

We are probably the most democratic union in Australia. Members know this.

Before going ahead with any industrial action we poll all of our members.

Lucas knows this too. It is his attempts to sway public opinion in the media that lead him to use tacky language rather than deal with the real issues at hand.

The situation is quite simple. AEU members are following the rules but are declaring loud and clear that we will not put up with unsustainable and unreasonable workloads. We will make professional judgements on our priorities rather than damage our health and wellbeing by providing increasingly high levels of goodwill to prop up the system and march to the beat of departmental drums.

Full Day Stop Work rally on 1 July 2019

We will exercise our right to withdraw our labour from time to time to focus the attention of the employer, the Government and the community.

If Mr Lucas continues to call me, and my democratically-elected colleagues, ‘union bosses’ for organising our members for a fair go then I believe he needs a lesson or two in manners and professionalism.

Ignorant His ill informed ‘union bosses’ mantra clearly lacks the sophistication of respectful public debate and shows no understanding of the roles of unions or how they are run.

So, the corollary of us all being part of a democratic union is that we are all ‘union bosses,’ Mr Lucas. We stand together as ‘union bosses’ proudly demonstrating our power and strength to win for public education, our profession, our students and our communities.

“Lucas’ lame bleating about ‘union bosses’ and ‘Christmas Grinches’ shows our dogged industrial campaign has got under his skin.”

Your Secretary As Branch Secretary, I’m accountable to all members to ensure the union is working in the most efficient and effective way to deliver the best possible outcomes for you. n If you have any queries or comments please email me at:

8: lyork@aeusa.asn.au

25 YEAR MEMBER RECOGNITION Sub-branch Secretaries and AEU reps.

Please contact the Branch Secretary lyork@aeusa.asn.au if you would like to organise recognition of members of 25 years standing at your site.

7

2019 AEU SA: THE YEAR IN REVIEW RU N N I NG H E AD

2019 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Federal Election campaign launch

TEECHERS

[Fringe Show Opening]

7 Mar

8 Mar

12 Mar

IDAHOBIT Day

2019

InternatIonal Day agaInst HomopHobIa, bIpHobIa, IntersexIsm & transpHobIa

WE STAND WITH OUR LGBTIQ MATES

2 May

13 May

17 May

AEU WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2019

Supporting sexual and gender diversity and your school’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) students, staff and families.

8: www.idahobit.org.au>schools

Follow this link for information and resources

#WEAR RED FOR ED

Authorised by Leah York, AEU Branch Secretary, Australian Education Union | SA Branch, 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside SA 5063 © 2019

Vale Bob Hawke 1929 – 2019

14 June

Vale Bob Hawke 1929 – 2019

AEU STOP WORK RALLY - Pt Lincoln

1 July

19 Aug

Every Wednesday

Guest Speaker:

Jane Caro

15 June

18 June

THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IN SA

10 July

Office of Corey Wingard MP

28 Aug

Office of Paula Luethen MP

Murraylands members

Barossa members Office of Stephan Knoll

18 Sept

Office of Paula Luethen MP

19 Sept

10 July

Office of John Gardner MP

10 Sept

Members from Yorke Peninsula

Pt Augusta members

The Hills community Office of Josh Teague

Riverland members Office of Tim Whetstone

Office of Matt Cowdrey MP

20 Sept

continue...

Boothby.

Together we will win

Fair Funding Now

page 5 AEU President Howard Spreadbury calls on all members to commit to collective action.

page 9 The Boothby tour begins!

Advertise in the AEU Journal. Reach over 13,500 members across South Australia.

8172 6300 journal@aeusa.asn.au

RU N N I NG H E AD

STU DE NTS ST R I KE 4 C L I M AT E C H AN G E # S S 4 C School students walked out of school to send a strong message to politicians to take them seriously and to start treating climate change for what it is – a crisis and the biggest threat to our generation and all generations to come.

Federal Election TAFE campaign

At the recent AEU Federal Conference, members commended the action of students, supported the democratic right of students to take direct action by protesting and supported students to give voice to their real concerns about the impacts of climate change.

School Students Strike 4 Climate Change

A

ustralia has been regularly subjected to the harsh consequences of climate change.

Across Australia and the world, school students are calling on politicians to listen as they call for action on climate change. Their passion for the environ-

ment is inspiring.

In Adelaide school students organised strike action for climate change on Friday 15 March 2019. The event included a march from Parliament House to Victoria Square commencing at 11am and finishing at 2pm.

Everyone was invited to attend and join in solidarity about this important issue that affects us all. The AEU encouraged members to support their students to ensure the safe participation of students in the strike where students chose to participate. The AEU was there! Check out our facebook page to see postings of the event. n

www.facebook.com/aeusa 3

15 Mar

Parliament House, Adelaide

26 Mar

10 Apr 2019 NEW EDUCATORS STATE CONFERENCE

NATIONAL TAFE DAY 2019

18 May

Liberals win Federal Election

AEU STOP WORK RALLY - Metro

1 July

24/25 May

AEU STOP WORK RALLY - Mt Gambier

1 July

8 Aug

13 June

AEU STOP WORK RALLY - Whyalla

1 July

Office of David Speirs MP

15 Aug

Office of Vincent Tarzia MP

12 Sept

Office of Steve Murray MP

3 Oct

Office of John Gardner MP

12 Sept

Office of Premier Steven Marshall MP

12 Sept

Pt Lincoln - Office of Peter Treloar MP

20 Sept

Tarntanyangga/Victoria Square

25 Sept

Office of Lee Oldenwalder MP

FOCU S ON T E ACH I NG A N D LE A R N I NG

“A government that doesn’t respect you doesn’t deserve your goodwill.”

Reports

FOCUS ON TEACHING AND LEARNING

OUR GOODWILL OUR CHOICE GOODWILL friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings or attitude.

Your goodwill, your choice.

The Focus on Teaching and Learning (FoTaL) has been adopted widely by members across the state.

The three principles guiding this aspect of our Respect campaign are: 1. We prioritise our work to support student learning with engaging pedagogies.

2. Goodwill equals additional workload; whether or not we exercise goodwill is our choice.

3. If new projects/programs/initiatives are a DfE priority they must be fully resourced and not exploit our goodwill to ensure implementation, or DfE will identify those matters no longer a priority to enable workload management.

Reclaim the professional space There are well-intentioned clauses in the enterprise agreement that address workload but it is clear we must enforce these ourselves.

Members should meet, discuss workloads, and exercise professional judgement about those duties that take us way from teaching and learning. A good way to start is identifying all the things we do that simply wouldn’t happen without our goodwill.

10

CHOICE an act or instance of choosing; selection.

Authorised by Leah York, AEU Branch Secretary, Australian Education Union | SA Branch, 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside SA 5063 © 2019

Australian Education Union | SA Branch

8: www.aeusa.asn.au : 8172 6300

For further info, tips and actions, go to our website or call the AEU Information Unit on

A government that doesn’t respect you doesn’t deserve your goodwill.

Worse than taking your goodwill for granted, the department and government don’t care about your workload and exploit your goodwill by underfunding education. They rely on your goodwill to implement initiatives and save millions.

But there is a cost. It is paid by educators who sacrifice wellbeing and time with our families.

Members taking control It has been incredible to observe members (teachers, SSOs and leaders) use FoTaL to conduct professional discussions to address workloads that extend beyond simply teaching and learning.

After hours activities Tribute must be paid to AEU members at Trinity Gardens Primary School.

Together, they identified that end-of-year after hours presentations consumed their goodwill and took them away from their families. They agreed to continue with their end of year wrap up during working hours only. In the face of Treasurer Lucas’ unhinged “Christmas Grinch” comments, members, with AEU support, reinforced their commitment to manage their workload.

We all recognise that some after hours activities, such as parent-teacher interviews are useful. Many sub-branches have decided to manage the after hours workload by starting the day later – a time off in lieu arrangement.

Members have recognised that local arrangements for reporting exceed the DfE requirements.

The department policy requires two descriptive reports per year. Schools do much more. Playford Primary limited their reporting to the DfE minimum and estimate that this decision alone has lessened their Term 4 after hours workload by 50 hours per teacher.

School reviews These centrally-determined reviews require teaching staff to be subjected to classroom ‘walk throughs’ without negotiation and to leave classes to meet with reviewers. Members have either determined to negotiate walk throughs and/or refuse review meeting attendance unless time is provided to prepare reliefs.

DfE has met members’ demands.

Start of year preparation days Some will remember when the two days in ‘Week Zero’ were used for a staff meeting followed by a day and a half of preparing classrooms, programs and resources. This time has now been consumed by training and development, often of questionable value.

AEU Executive has called upon members to claim back these preparation days. Attend the staff meeting and then return to your class to make ready for Term 1.

Sub-branches should meet now and formalise your collective position to claim back preparation days.

The real cost of goodwill The government will come to learn in dollar terms the value of our goodwill.

As members take control of workloads and push back against expectations to ‘fill the gap’ created by lack of funding, it will become evident that government, department and partnership priorities can’t be implemented successfully unless the full cost is taken into account.

Make the government and department bear the cost of their priorities – not you and your family. n Andrew Gohl is Coordinator of the Organisers Group.

WO M E N’S FOCU S

One woman’s journey of growth AEU member Nora Thomas writes about the unexpected benefits of being an active member of our union.

A

“We are living in very uncertain times and the AEU is invaluable.”

My AEU membership is extremely important to me. I have developed a sense of belonging and comfort at the AEU whenever I attend meetings, conferences or training. The AEU offers many opportunities for members to participate in training and development.

She believed in me and would encourage me to expand my participation. Hesitant about public speaking, Tish nudged me from behind and once I spoke, there was no turning back.

I strongly encourage other women to take up these opportunities the AEU offers. If I hadn’t participated in these activities I would not have discovered my passion for writing. Who knows what you might discover about yourself too?

s an AEU member since 2003 I have been fortunate to take part in some fantastic union training and conference opportunities that have helped me develop a true sense of social justice and the value of education in creating fairness and equity in the world.

I genuinely feel that the AEU is an avenue for me to progress and grow as an individual while also helping others do the same, by providing a voice for those in need. Being part of the AEU is so important because it gives you, as an individual, a voice.

The union is there to protect your rights and working conditions. When an issue can’t be resolved at your site you know you have an avenue to seek advice and support. We are living in very uncertain times and the AEU is invaluable. We would not have the working conditions we have now if it weren’t for our union.

In 2011, I joined the Status of Women Consultative Committee where my journey took a different path. I was encouraged to participate in the Anna Stewart Memorial Project (ASMP) and Women in Leadership Development program (WiLD).

I attended several Federal Conferences and became more actively involved with my sub-branch, taking on the role as Women’s Officer at my site. I had a wonderful mentor, the AEU Women’s Officer Tish Champion, who helped me develop skills I never thought I possessed.

the social expectations placed upon her. My second novel is due out in mid-2020.

n

The AEU Journal gives me many opportunities to write articles and letters to the editor. During my spare time I am discovering my passion for writing fiction novels.

The modern workplace and the pressures it places on people, in particular women, have led me to write about these topics.

I can’t thank the AEU enough. The organisation not only protects and supports members, but fosters individuals into becoming better versions of themselves.

If it weren’t for my journey with the AEU and the opportunities it has offered me and my wonderful mentor Tish Champion, I would never have imagined I’d be writing and publishing fiction novels.

My debut novel MSG FREE: An Italian’s way of dealing with the artificial, touches on topics of interest for women, such as the pressures the main character, Emmie encounters in her daily life because of her predetermined conditioning to be agreeable and

MSG FREE: An Italian’s way of dealing with the artificial is available on Amazon ebook at:

8 www.amazon.com/author/ eleonorathomas Hardcopies are available online at:

8 www.amazon.com.au

NOT AN AEU MEMBER YET? Join TODAY and have your say!

Or encourage a colleague to join.

Join online at:

8: www.aeusa.asn.au 11

W H S – W E LLB E I NG

“The implication in the Department’s myWellbeing program that we are not looking after ourselves is insulting.” guided and insensitive to the challenges of leadership.

Yes, the opportunity to apply for funding to support a whole school approach to wellbeing for 50 sites is welcomed but why doesn’t every site have this opportunity?

Well well well?

Is wellbeing by name the same as wellbeing by nature? ... asks Vice President Dash Taylor Johnson.

Wellbeing has become an umbrella term for all things related to health: physical, emotional, psychological and professional. The appropriateness of this is a column of its own but for now, let’s see how the Department for Education is approaching this.

The myWellbeing program was launched with some fanfare early in Term 4. The CE interrupted his fishing to send personalised emails espousing the one-stop shop intranet page, especially the myWellbeing Centre.

Not only does the notion that you work during your leave reflect excessive workloads, his message “I believe it’s up to us as individuals to be proactive about our health and wellbeing” abrogates the employer’s responsibilities according to section 19 of the WHS Act 2012. Here, expectations are clear: 1) A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of – a. Workers engaged, or caused to be engaged by the person; and 12

b. Workers whose activities in carrying out work are influenced or directed by the person.

Simply put, this means that the CE, Senior Executive Group, Executive Directors and Education Directors are deemed ‘Officers’ under the act and have legislative duty to: “Make every effort not to put workers’ health and safety at risk by providing safe systems of work that do not cause injury.”

A web page is not enough! And you must seriously question the commitment of the employer when the page includes the disclaimer: The Department for Education does not sponsor or endorse the content of this platform or material linked to this platform in any way … Use of the information and data contained within this platform is at your sole risk.

Other elements of the page redirect you to Plink courses or content from the now defunct and discredited White Ribbon Foundation.

Principals and Preschool Directors have a designated myWellbeing for leaders. However, like their staff, these people are workers under the Act so the implication that responsibility for the wellbeing of staff sits with them is mis-

One bright light is the release of the Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing procedure we have been waiting for since early 2018! Its objective, “to build and maintain a workplace environment and culture that supports mental health, manages psychological safety, encourages wellbeing behaviours, embraces diversity and prevents discrimination (including bullying and harassment),” is worthy but must be matched by more than a web link.

Psychosocial hazards are profiled here, so what are the risk factors the employer is meant to be mitigating?

• High work demands • Unreasonable workload • Lack of role clarity • Poorly managed relationships and bullying • Poor change management • Discriminatory behaviours • Working with children with challenging behaviours • Parents displaying aggressive and threatening behaviour.

Sound familiar? Our WHS Standing Committee is very concerned about the prevalence of psychological injury, the lack of reporting, the associated stigma, the implications that this may impact on employability and the increased emphasis on workers looking after themselves.

The prevailing tone of resilience, regardless of what the department presents, is not helpful. The implication that we are not looking after ourselves is insulting. n

Everyone should be safe and supported at work!

If you have any concerns, call the AEU Information Unit on 8172 6300.

T E ACH E RS R E G I STRAT ION BOA R D

TRB

Legislative Review Go to our website:

What does this mean for you?

8 www.aeusa.asn.au and click on the TRB banner

Hands off the Teachers Registration Board!

Libs’ attack on the profession will fail if teachers take action, writes Vice President Lara Golding.

The State Government is continuing its attacks on teachers with draft legislation aiming to decimate our Teachers Registration Board (TRB).

The proposed bill removes any requirements for the Board to include a single practising teacher. This is an outrage and we need to stop it.

Independent The TRB was established by teachers’ unions to promote and regulate the profession. It is funded entirely by teachers. It is critical that teachers and education unions continue to comprise a majority of the Board.

Decisions about the teaching profession should never be made on the whim of a Minister without the input of teachers. No other profession would countenance this level of interference, and nor do educators.

While the requirement that practising teachers must be part of the Board is on the chopping block in the draft legislation, it is both notable and insulting that the requirement that a lawyer must be part of the Board remains.

Teacher registration boards in all other states have minimum requirements for teacher reps and the regulatory boards for lawyers and doctors in South Australia have minimum representation from these professions enshrined in law. It is essential that the teaching profession in South Australia maintains its professional voice in line with other states and professions.

The AEU and IEU are the largest organisations representing the professional interests of teachers and schools in SA. For decades we have provided highly qualified practising teachers to represent the profession on the Board.

This has ensured that decisions reflect current understanding of the expectations on teachers in schools.

Under the proposal, members will be installed on the ‘opinion of the Minister’ and there is no requirement to include any teachers. The Minister could select members on a whim and contrary to the interests of practising teachers.

We cannot allow politicians of any party to have powers to interfere with the regulation of our profession.

The draft legislation also proposes changes to the functions of the Board which will loosen regulation and lower standards.

Time for action We know we can stop this outrage.

Last year the Government tried to introduce laws which would have removed AEU reps from merit selection and school closure and amalgamation panels.

Members sprung into action, sending emails and meeting with MPs. Our actions forced amendments that required AEU and staff representation on merit selection panels. Following a deadlock conference between the upper and lower houses, this ultimately resulted in no change to union representation on panels. It was a great win for the AEU!

Now we need you to take action to save our Teachers Registration Board.

ACTION 1. Go to our website:

www.aeusa.asn.au and click on the TRB banner

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2. Scroll down to ACTION – How you

can help... and send a letter to Education Minister John Gardner today!

3. Add your name and address to the letter and press SEND FILE 4. Encourage your colleagues to do the same and share this action.

Democratic Teaching is evolving rapidly. It is imperative that practising teachers have input into determining the future of our profession.

Our AEU nominees on the Board are endorsed through our democratic processes. This ensures members are selected by their peers to make decisions in the best interests of the profession.

If the draft legislation proceeds, we will be asking you to take further action, including meeting with MPs early next year. We cannot allow the future of our profession to be subject to the whims of politicians. n

Tell Education Minister John Gardner to back off changes to the TRB! 13

LGBT IQ FOCU S

U N ION TRAI N I NG H IG H LIG HTS 2019

Challenging the status quo

AEU LGBTIQ Committee

T

he best part of being in a union is the solidarity and support that you can receive from colleagues across the state. Our new AEU LGBTIQ Network on Facebook is a closed group to enable LGBTIQ AEU members an opportunity to network, post interesting articles/information, and to raise and discuss issues affecting LGBTIQ members in education settings in a supportive online environment. This group has been established by our LGBTIQ Consultative Committee.

To join the closed group go to:

AEU SA LGBTIQ members where you will need to answer a few questions to join. n

Pride March and FEAST Festival AEU members were proud participants in the recent Adelaide Pride March held on Saturday 2 November. AEU LGBTIQ committee members, staff and executive members enjoyed marching in solidarity with colleagues, students and families. Pride March Adelaide celebrates Adelaide’s LGBTIQ+ love, strength and diversity each year with a joyous march through the streets of Adelaide in November. n

EQUALITY IS UNION BUSINESS FEAST Picnic AEU LGBTIQ committee members also volunteered to promote our union at the Feast Picnic in the Park on Sunday 24 November. Students, their families and education staff appreciated the support demonstrated by our presence with our AEU stall and the opportunity to learn more about supportive services and policies. n

Look out for our AEU flags next year and join us!

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R

eflecting back on the 2019 training program, here are some of our favourite moments.

Numbers up! Over the past 12 months we have hosted over 2000 members at hundreds of events at the AEU Conference Centre, in regional locations and even cyberspace as we beamed forums through Facebook Live and nationally through the Teachers Learning Network.

The highlight on the union training calendar continues to be the New Workplace Representative courses. If you will be a new Sub-branch Secretary in 2020 we encourage you to register now.

Plus, we continue to run events that challenge the status quo. Because if we don’t, who will?

What next? I continue to be inspired by dedicated, busy members who want – no, NEED – to ask the question, ‘What next?’ Not because you want the latest and greatest package of branded programs but because you want to challenge the department on what comes next in the drive towards privatisation and the push for data. As a result we asked members ‘What is the Future of Education?’ and were met with a resounding chorus of ‘professionallyled and properly funded.’

Whose future? Inspired by the Festival of Ideas, the Future of Education conference brought together influential speakers from all walks of life to discuss matters crucial for education professionals.

The ongoing fight to hold all governments to account on public school funding and employee conditions were hot topics. We also stretched the notion around ‘Future’ in discussion of new concepts regarding Art in STEM, Women in Leadership (and Aboriginal Women’s voice in this space), middle school and inclusion in the Year 7 to high school debate.

Anti-privatisation The mass privatisation of education around the world was also discussed. Companies have been set up to undermine experienced educators in order to save governments money – from quick fix teacher education programs to the rise of the AI teacher. We must stand strong for our colleagues in education worldwide.

SSOs & ECWs Another exciting event this year was the SSO and ECW Conference.

3D protest poster creation, pop up rallies on Greenhill Road, lessons in the living wage and a laugh-a-minute conference dinner quiz really brought home the collective spirit of why AEU SA members attend events.

Courses to look forward to in early 2020 New Educators Conference – Upskilling early career teachers with relevant and practical information about working with students and the Department.

Preschool Conference – Working in a preschool is a specialist skill. This day will celebrate and support our preschool members.

Classroom Management and Engagement Strategies – A member-led, practical course to reenergise behaviour management skills through engagement, group development and fun.

New Workplace Representatives – A two day course for new sub-branch secretaries and workplace organising committee members.

Assessment and Reporting Expo – What are the requirements around reporting?

This day will explore options for educational leaders.

WiLD and Deadly – Specialist program for Aboriginal Women in Leadership.

For more details and to register visit:

8 www.aeusa.asn.au

Check out what is on offer at the AEU in 2020 via the term planner and the AEU website. Encourage a colleague to come with you and challenge yourself to opening up your world. Events are updated regularly and some courses attract support in order for you to attend (TRT replacement and travel for regional members) or are available at highly discounted rates n for AEU members.

Sam Lisle-Menzel is AEU Training Coordinator Got ideas or requests for union training to build activism in 2020? I’d love to chat with you via email at:

8 training@aeusa.asn.au

ICE BOA R DVIEW NOT PRESIDENT’S

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UNION TRAINING

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The AEU executive &*staff * of the SA Branch wish you and your family, *

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a Merry Christmas * * * * * and a Happy NewYear * k you fo*r * Than for 2020 your ongoing support for

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on i t a c u d E c i l b u P

The AEU Office will close at 12 noon Tuesday 24 December 2019 and reopen on Monday 6 January 2020.

AN INVITATION TO RETIRED OR RETIRING TEACHERS & SSOs

AEU INFORMATION UNIT * ** * *

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tion Unit AEU Informa y noon Tuesda 2 1 e s lo c l il w r 2019 24 Decembe Monday and reopen 020.

13 January 2

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)8172 6300 • Qualified AEU Officers standing by to answer your enquiry • A quality service for AEU members only.

Have you retired or are about to retire?

Are you seeking opportunities to maintain or increase your level of fitness and want to learn more about your city and surrounding hills and bushland?

Are you seeking companionship with other retired teachers and their partners as well as other walkers drawn from a range of backgrounds (not just teaching!)?

The Retired Teachers Walking Group is affiliated with Walking SA Inc. Walks are organised at several levels. Rovers walk from 14 – 18 kms, Walkers – up to 10kms, Ramblers 6 – 7kms and Amblers – up to 5 kms. We walk in conservation and national parks within the Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula, suburban beaches, along the six creeks of the Adelaide Plains, the River Torrens Linear Park and other suburban trails. It’s a great way to get to know your city and surroundings! A camp is also organised each year in country areas within South Australia or Victoria.

If you are interested in finding out more about our walking group, you are invited to contact: Secretary Peter Roodhouse Phone: 8278 3439 email: proodhou@bigpond.net.au John Eaton Phone: 8431 5460 email: joneaton@bigpond.net.au

We hope you will join us for the 2020 walking season!

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