Our ambitious vision for 2023

As public educators embark on another big year, there’s never been a more important time to be a member of the AEU. As a union, we’re stepping up the way we communicate, advocate, and support you at work, as well as pioneering some of the most significant reforms in public education this decade.

The pandemic exposed a system under immense pressure, and our academic research has revealed a public education workforce at breaking point. While the Department may acknowledge these problems exist, the AEU and our members feel them deeply. As the largest professional network of public educators, our job is to represent you, the people who are impacted by these realities. And that’s not a responsibility we take lightly.

It’s the reason we’re guided by members in everything we do, and this year will be no different. Enterprise bargaining is happening now, and members can expect frequent updates and regular communications about our progress at the negotiating table. The AEU will undertake a second round of regional and metropolitan forums to discuss our platform and the ways you can build our collective strength to help us bargain for a better future. As the people who power our education system, it is essential your voices are heard. The stories you share are our best case for change, and I encourage each of you to talk with colleagues, sign up to our campaign, and get involved.

Another major focus this year will be the imminent referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal voice to Australia’s Parliament. We know that there will be opposition to Voice and we stand in solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters, knowing that times of vital change such as these often give rise to increased racism. As public educators and unionists we must support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including

What you need to know ‣

+ Through Enterprise Bargaining, the AEU is pioneering some of the most significant reforms in public education this decade

+ The AEU supports Voice Treaty Truth. We will be uniting with other states and unions to support a Yes vote to Voice

+ The AEU, on behalf of your fellow educators, stands with Riverland communities during this difficult time the children in our classrooms, in the lead up to the referendum. The AEU supports Voice Treaty Truth. We will be uniting with other states and unions to support a Yes vote to Voice. I hope you will join us in doing so. Finally, I want to acknowledge our Riverland communities who are starting 2023 with much devastation. The AEU, on behalf of your fellow educators, stands with you during this difficult time. Members who’ve experienced loss or damage should discuss their circumstances with the AEU to establish if and what support might be provided.

We are starting this year strong, and as educators and union members, we know strength comes from togetherness. This year, like those before it, will involve challenges and adversity. There will be times the AEU will call on you to take action as part of a united and diverse community of educators employed in the preschool, primary, secondary and TAFE sectors in South Australia. I trust you will take these opportunities to stand with us and effect real change for a better future.

Wishing you all the best for a year of professional and personal successes.

ANDREW GOHL PRESIDENT, AEU SA

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