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Newsmonth is published eight times a year (two issues per term) by the Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch.

Executive Editor Mark Northam, Secretary, for and on behalf of the IEU

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Her government would also work in close consultation with teachers on the rollout of the new curriculum.

Initial teacher education

Calls to reduce initial teacher training as a quick fix to shortages were “unconscionable and short-sighted.”.

Next month’s national meeting of education ministers should support redesigning of teacher education courses to better prepare for the practice of teaching.

“It is clear to me that we need better partnerships. This is not achieved by just slashing teacher training time, but by designing programs that might better address both the intellectual and practice components of your profession.”

Early learning

As Minister for Early Learning, Car said she had a passionate interest in this area. “I hold it to be so important for the life chances for so many of our young people, especially the most vulnerable”.

She said it is a complex, challenging area to negotiate in, but said it is good that early childhood teachers are recognised as equal partners in the teaching profession through common accreditation.

She acknowledged the new approach the IEU is taking in tandem with the AEU Victorian Branch and the United Workers Union for bargaining with employer groups (see p7).

Car finished her address saying she looked forward to “continuing to engage meaningfully with your union and your members in the development of the government’s agenda and the implementation of policy.

“We will work together to achieve these outcomes. I’m so grateful for what you have done thus far. I can’t wait to work with you into the future.”

Questions from floor

The Minister allowed a generous amount of time for questions from IEU delegates which canvassed issues such as resources, more support for early career teachers and access to PD (she said “the days of PD being used as a political football are over” –advice from NESA would be forthcoming). She encouraged teachers to approach her with any suggestions or solutions.