Newsmonth #7 2019

The newspaper of the Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch (vol 39 #7) November 2019 PP 100000871 ISSN No: 0728-4845

MEET YOUR NEW TEAM

A new leadership team will pick up the Union’s packed agenda, fighting to improve your rights and conditions in the workplace, from midday 31 October.

Mark Northam (Secretary elect) and Carol Matthews (Deputy Secretary elect) will take over from Secretary John Quessy and Deputy Secretary Gloria Taylor. They will be supported by Assistant Secretaries Liam Griffiths and Pam Smith, and the Union as a whole.

There are also some new faces on the IEU’s Executive, which is made up of practicing teachers and support staff.

Newsmonth pays tribute to the significant contributions to the IEU by John and Gloria over many years (see pages 4 and 5) and welcomes new Executive members and farewells others on pages 8 and 9.

Secretary Mark Northam Deputy Secretary Carol Matthews Assistant Secretary Liam Griffiths Assistant Secretary Pam Smith President Christine Wilkinson Vice President ECS Gabrielle Connell Vice President Systemic Bernadette Baker Vice President Non Systemic Bruce Paine

Vice President Support Staff Carolyn Collins Vice President ACT Angela McDonald Financial Officer Denise McHugh Financial Officer Peter Moore General Executive Members Anna Luedi Amy Mead Libby Lockwood Suzanne Penson, John O'Neill Tina Ruello Helen Templeton Jeff Pratt Simon Goss Phoebe Craddock-Lovett

Celebrating a lifetime of service (vol 39 #7) November 2019

Contents News

1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 16, 18

Feature 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11

International 16, 17

Reports 13, 14, 18

Member stories 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16

Member benefits 16, 17,19, 20 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 Executive and members Managing Editor: Bronwyn Ridgway Journalist: Sue Osborne Graphic Design: Chris Ruddle Online Journalist and Photographer: Angus Hoy Contributions and letters from members are welcome. These do not reflect endorsement if printed, and may be edited for size and style at the Editor's discretion. They should be forwarded to: Newsmonth 485-501 Wattle Street ULTIMO NSW 2007 GPO Box 116 SYDNEY NSW 2001 Tel: 8202 8900 Toll free: 1800 467 943 Email: ieu@ieu.asn.au www.ieu.asn.au

facebook.com/ieunswact twitter.com/#!/IEUNSWACT Instagram.com/ieunswact

2

newsmonth - www.ieu.asn.au

Peter Frost has spent his whole career teaching at the school where he was educated, and as he prepares for retirement, he has no regrets.

The IEU celebrated 50 years continuous Union membership with Peter in October, and he would advise anyone entering the teaching profession to follow in his footsteps and join the Union straight away.

Peter graduated from the fledging University of NSW in 1968 proudly clutching his teaching degree after what was not always a smooth path through education.

He failed his leaving certificate and had to repeat a year at Waverley College, something he attributes to maths classes with more than 35 students.

However, he was determined to be a teacher, having got the bug serving as a leader in the college’s cadet unit. He managed to win a scholarship to teach primary (despite having the audacity to write on the blackboard with his left hand) but decided to qualify for secondary teaching through UNSW. Involvement with Waverley College’s cadet unit has been a pivotal part of Peter’s life. While studying to be a teacher, he remained involved with cadets, and in fact the college even asked him to teach some classes at the school before he had graduated.

The head boy in the cadets was Peter Cosgrove, the future Governor General of Australia, and the pair are still in touch today.

One of Peter’s proudest achievements is staying in touch with many of his former students and assisting them through their life’s journey.

“Talking to Old Boys at a reunion recently about what they remember of me as a teacher was affirming, very rewarding.”

As soon as he returned to his Alma Mater as a secondary teacher Peter continued serving with the cadets, and also began rugby coaching, another pursuit he has enjoyed for 50 years.

The education scene was different in the 1970s, with unpaid brothers, nuns and priests forming the majority of the teaching staff in Catholic schools with lay teachers on the periphery.

Peter has watched that change over the years, with a move to degree qualified professional teachers. The hangover of teaching being seen a voluntary vocation, with extra curricula activity expected to be done for no pay, is something he is grateful to the IEU for tackling over the years.

“I would particularly advise any teacher working in a private school to join the Union.

It gives you added protection in what can be a haphazard employment scene.

“Unlike the AEW, the IEU has to negotiate with a wide range of employers and they’ve done a great job bringing pay equity to the teaching profession.”

Peter has also seen big changes in technology. In the late 70s and early 80s the school was a ground breaker, with one

Time to act

IEU members in Catholic systemic schools across NSW and the ACT will in coming days receive Notices of Employee Representational Rights. These notices signal the formal commencement of bargaining.

IEU reps and members are to be commended for engaging in a campaign to achieve pay rises, provide additional time for professional duties, secure more permanent positions for both teachers and support staff, and address work intensification. For a copy of the claim, see the IEU website.

The Union will be providing an update after the initial meeting with the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations.

Mark Northam

of the brothers introducing a television studio to the school and getting many of the teachers trained as film producers. A producer from Channel Nine would come in to help occasionally.

“We realised it was costing us one hour of our time to produce one minute of a show,” Peter said.

Always moving with the times, Peter is constantly re-educating himself. He has a Master of Arts and Master of Educational Administration and he is grateful for the brothers supporting him to take a one year sabbatical in 1993. He studied in London and Boston.

The advent of more women teachers on the college’s staff has been another change, and Peter said the IEU has played a role in that.

Peter said he has not played a more active role in the Union because he was in leadership positions at the school, including acting deputy principal, and felt his presence might inhibit discussions at chapter meetings. But he has always been aware and supportive.

His tips to new teachers: find a mentor or role model that you admire and wish to emulate, be a good listener, be prepared for challenges, learn to laugh at yourself and most importantly, join the IEU. “The returns from what you put in as a teacher are massive,” he said.

Sue Osborne Journalist

CSO staff vote to authorise industrial action

Cheryl on board for 40 years Cheryl Garrard celebrated 40 years continuous IEU membership in July. Cheryl hasn’t worked in a school since 2014 but maintains her membership for the Union support and access to NESA accredited PD. The former IEU Rep left her long time jobs at St Michael’s Daceyville and St Bernard’s Botany Primary Schools (she shared her time between the two) to venture into unchartered waters at Sydney Maritime Museum.

She’s on call whenever the museum needs someone to lead an excursion, be it for a preschool or school group, vacation care, university, English language college or conference.

Cheryl has guided tours of nuclear scientists from all over the world around the sailing ship Endeavour and taken 60 excited primary schoolers through the cramped submarine HMAS Onslow.

“You get to learn how tough life as a submariner would be.

The Endeavour is not spacious either. People think that everyone was small in the past but it’s not true. Captain Cook was 6'2’’ and

Joseph Banks 6'4’’. The Endeavour would have been pretty hard for them.

“When the museum job was advertised it said they wanted someone who wasn’t claustrophobic, didn’t get seasick and didn’t mind dressing up.

“Being a school librarian, I was used to the dressing up bit, and I was okay with the other things.”

Just last week Cheryl took on the guise of a pirate. She must be good at bringing history to life – she’s been asked what it was like to sail on the Titanic, and if she knew Captain Cook.

‘It’s a fun place to work, and there is always something new to learn about. We’ve had exhibits on Shackleton, James Cameron’s Titanic, William Bligh, Pompeii and Ships, Clocks and Stars. I’ve had to research all these. I’m constantly learning, and I love that.”

Cheryl has not ruled out a return to the Catholic classroom in the future, and the 50 year milestone is a possibility, but at the moment she’s happy to stay by the sea.

Catholic Schools Office staff in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese have voted to authorise Protected Action, as their campaign for guaranteed Enterprise Agreement coverage intensifies. 88% of eligible members responded to a Protected Action Ballot, with 95% voting in favour of all proposed forms of industrial action, including work stoppages, for the purpose of advancing claims in the negotiation.

IEU members working in the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools Office are fighting to retain guaranteed coverage of the proposed Enterprise Agreement, in the face of forecast role changes.

The diocese has already moved some staff off the agreement and Union members are worried that the same will happen to them.

They want a guarantee that they will be covered by the EA even if the employer reclassifies them as no longer under the direct employment of the Catholic Schools Office.

The IEU supports these strong members as they fight to retain their Union won rights and conditions, in the face of the diocese’s attempts at agreement busting.

It pays to stay in the Union if you become a parent Members on maternity leave often cancel their Union membership, believing they do not need it as they are not working.

When they seek flexible working arrangements upon returning to work and get declined, or worse, get an ultimatum – come back full time or resign – they call the Union.

The cancelled member no longer qualifies for Union advice. If the non member rejoins the Union, the level of support is limited, because the non member policy applies to assistance with issues existing prior to membership.

It pays to stay in the Union if you become a parent. Having support when you do return to work is one less thing to worry about. Here’s why.

You keep your original join date so the non member policy will not apply.

You pay a small one off annual, tax deductible fee that is less than one tenth of a gym membership.

You get all the support you need from letter writing to notifying a breach or challenging a decision.

You stay up to date with all your workplace changes so there are no surprises when you return.

You continue to access the PD you need, especially when on average teachers take two years of leave for each child. While your partner takes over for an hour or two, you can complete all Union run PD online, and in your pyjamas, if you want to. This is so important as it keeps you connected to the profession and clocking NESA accredited hours.

You continue to receive the suite of Union publications, which you can use as teacher identified PD; another reason to stay in your pyjamas!

So, if you are reading this while on leave, possibly still in your pyjamas, then awesome, you are still a member. If you are reading this and know of colleagues who are on leave, have a chat to them about their Union status. They can email membership@ieu.asn.au to update and remain current.

I mean honestly, when you get back in the saddle, do you want boot camp or low impact training?

Lubna Haddad Organiser newsmonth - Vol 39 #7 2019

3

JOHN’S STORY 43 years in the making

between our members and diocesan authorities.

She became a regular on local TV and the local press and on more than one occasion had to change hotels to escape the paparazzi.

Over the years she has been the principals’ organiser, union training officer and convenor of most committees.

Most recently she established and nurtured the Environment Committee through its early years to the vibrant body it is today.

As a Union appointed director of NGS since 2002, Gloria has played a vital role in developing the fund into one of the most respected industry superannuation funds in the market, serving with distinction once again in almost every role including as chair.

To the hundreds of colleagues she has worked with over three decades at the ITA/ IEU Gloria is acknowledged as one of the most talented officers in the business. Very little ever fazed her. A mentor to many and a friend to all.

We are fortunate that although soon retiring from active Union employment Gloria will stay on as an NGS Trustee/ Director into the New Year.

From student member, chapter rep, branch committee rep, executive, organiser to Secretary. During his 43 year involvement with the Union, John Quessy has contributed to many significant achievements.

John’s involvement with the Union started almost as soon as he began his teaching career. A beginning history teacher at St Pius X Chatswood in 1976, by 1977 he was their Chapter Rep. Before long he was President of the Northern Suburbs Branch (1984) where he honed his leadership skills – chairing chapter meetings and branch meetings with grace and style.

From 1982 to 1994 he was a delegate to Council, during a time of turbulence within the Union. In 1985 the two day council meeting at the infamous and now disappeared Graphic Arts Club saw internal union hostilities boil over and what resulted was the new foundation for the vibrant and effective Union that we have today.

Elections were held as per schedule in October 1985. Why was that important to John’s story? The team he supported and was part of became the spine of the team that has led this Union for the last 30 years.

This team then led the continuing work of our federal organisation, still in its infancy, the ITFA. In fact 30 years ago John was elected president as part of that team. Thus began the reign of Shearman and Quessy (and Glenda Roberts) at councils that had mercifully became one day events.

During his presidency there was the cyclical dispute with major employers and the customary membership drive that accompanied it – such as the late 1989 early 1990 Catholic dispute.

The name change from ITA (or Aunty ITA as it was affectionately known) to IEU was in 1993. The federal organisation ITFA became the Independent Education Union of Australia.

John took a tilt at politics around that time, standing for the ALP in Epping.

In 1995 John handed over the mayoral chains, at that time, the longest serving president in the Union’s history, to become an organiser.

In 2012 he became Secretary. During his time as captain, he moved headquarters from the Union’s Day Street premises to Wattle Street, and secured improved new premises for the Lismore and Paramatta branches.

He oversaw two major and successful campaigns for the Catholic systemic members of this Union in 2014 and 2017, with the 2017 campaign named ACTU Campaign of the Year.

He has provided stalwart support for the early childhood sector throughout his time as Secretary, backing the resource intensive Equal Remuneration Order case, and supporting early childhood teachers in their campaign to be treated the same as school teachers.

There’s been a modernisation of many sections of the Union, including increased digitisation of the publications and communications department. He also concurrently served on Unions NSW executive and networked with the ACTU. When John first took over the reins he wrote a Newsmonth article about “a union with a reputation for tenacity and strategy, presiding over remarkable improvements to wages and conditions, one of the first private sector unions in NSW to win paid maternity leave and Catholic sector Work Place Agreements”.

He was part of a team that delivered collective success.

Thank you for being an integral part of the team and the leadership that led us through the challenges of the 1980s, the growth of our Union in the 1990s, the leadership that our Union provided the movement in the early 2000s and in the last decade the work you have been collectively part of with colleagues here and interstate in promoting and building the industrial/professional agenda.

On a personal note, I thank you for your friendship and guidance.

John Quessy Secretary

Chris Watt Federal Secretary

GLORIA TAYLOR serving with distinction in many roles Here are a few words to mark the retirement of Gloria Taylor from her role as Deputy Secretary.

Gloria Taylor began working as an organiser at the ITA (as our Union was then called) in January 1988. With a background of primary and ESL teaching she had most recently been an advisor on multicultural education with Sydney CEO and almost immediately her passion for ethnic inclusivity began to infiltrate the Union’s consciousness.

As part of a wave of US teachers who arrived in Australia during the teacher shortages of the 1970s, Gloria brought an international perspective to union work.

She exposed through Newsmonth the political oppression of teachers and trade unions in Chile and frequently reminded members of the persecution occurring in Central and South American countries.

Gloria was an active delegate to the then NSW Trades and Labour Council where international speakers were frequent visitors.

During more than 30 years with the Union, Gloria has had almost every job.

In 1989 she was the organiser (the only organiser) for both the Cumberland and Penrith-Blue Mountains Branches.

In the 1990s she took over the Riverina Branch during a period of bitter dispute 4

newsmonth - www.ieu.asn.au

Significant achievements while at the helm Here is just a sample of landmark Union achievements during John Quessy’s tenure as Secretary of the IEU. Campaigns • leadership in the 2013/2014 and 2017/2018 Catholic systemic campaigns, which included ballots, regional meetings, mass stoppages and extensive media • commitment, support and leadership with the 2012 Teachers are Teachers campaign and the 2013-2020 Equal Remuneration Orders – early childhood pay parity case and Work Values case • IEUA NSW/ACT 2018 winner ACTU Campaign of the Year Award for the Union’s Catholic systemic schools campaign • strong representation of the Union’s position challenging state discrimination laws and proposed federal Integrity Bill.

•

•

•

•

•

Administration • oversight from 2014 to 2019 of the Union’s transition from a state to a federal registered Union • assistance with the united response to the changing legislative landscape by driving a union restructure that reflects greater integration and unity at a national level.

Communications • commitment to innovations and change in the Union’s communications, together with a shift to digital publications, including regular specialist enewsletters for early childhood teachers, teachers in post secondary colleges, support staff, principals and school leaders as well as a significant and dynamic shift in the Union’s social media presence • supportive of the review and upgrade of the Union’s print publications Newsmonth, IE and Bedrock • training and encouragement for officers to actively participate in online and offline campaigning.

Asset management • purchase of The Briscoe Building Wattle St Ultimo, the renovation of this heritage building into purpose-built office space, oversight of office layout, design and furnishings and the subsequent move of IEU’s headquarters from Day St Darling Harbour to Wattle St Ultimo • purchase of building for IEU Parramatta office, oversight of design and layout and refurbishment of these premises, together with the move from Wentworth St Parramatta to Ross St North Parramatta • purchase of new premises for the IEU Lismore office, renovation and refurbishment in progress • sound financial management of IEUA NSW/ACT Branch resources, repeatedly confirmed in audited reports.

Union movement • representation of the IEU from 2012 to 2019 as Unions NSW executive member and member of Unions NSW finance and governance committee • maintenance of a strong network with regional, state and peak union councils, and as part of the Union’s delegation to ACTU Congress • liaison with education unions, state, national and international.

Professional • engagement and liaison with TQI and NESA

representation of members on the Quality Teaching Committee of NESA IEU input into NESA policy to ensure best interest of members in our sector were considered in formulation of policy and process expansion of the Union’s PD program and professional online programs establishment of the Union’s relationship with TLN, consequently delivering PD online, particularly creating accessible courses for early childhood teachers covered by their membership fees representation of the Union at Education International and associated global professional organisations.

Superannuation • appointment as NGS Super Director 2003, resigned and reappointed as Alternate Director on 2012, currently serving as an Alternate Director. These have been periods of significant change in superannuation, which include the ISST, Cue Super, Uniting Church and QIEC mergers • supportive of significant changes for the Fund such as improved insurance arrangements, larger membership base firmly establishing NGS Super as a national fund for non government schools, some social services (UC Super) and some Credit unions • participation as a member of the Investment Committee during directorship, initiating important investment decisions for the over-all benefit of members’ retirement savings • participation in the corporate governance of NGS Super and meetings with the regulators, APRA and ASIC. IEUA • representation of the Union as IEUA Federal President 2014 into 2019. This period has required experience and strong leadership, consultation and cooperation within the national organisation. The positive outcomes have seen growth of national cooperation, data base sharing as well as communications and membership teams combining strategies and products for greater Union strength.

These developments and their benefits to the Union and members Australia-wide are ongoing.

The IEU thanks John for his guidance and leadership. The new leadership team of Mark Northam, Carol Matthews, Liam Griffiths and Pam Smith looks forward to continuing the great work of growing and strengthening the Union.

newsmonth - Vol 39 #7 2019

5

UNR IINORENVI’ESW YEA

by John Quessy

In the past year about 52 enterprise agreements have been made by the Union representing an overwhelming one per week. While the bulk of these are for individual early childhood services, others cover multiple services such as the Kindergarten Union (KU), where we have achieved access to paid domestic violence leave, and Big Fat Smile (BFS) where teachers will have access to 10 hours per year of paid leave to attend NESA registered PD. These agreements contain salaries approaching parity with those in schools.

At Green Valley Islamic School, we achieved a 57% pay increase for support staff. The Galilee School in the ACT has proved to be a recalcitrant employer refusing to enter into good faith bargaining with the Union. A majority support determination was sought, won and argued before the Fair Work Commission and we are currently awaiting orders on the school to commence bargaining.

The big industrial news of the year however is our early childhood Equal Remuneration Order/Work Value case. A decision is due between December 2019 and April 2020.

Support staff gains The year has witnessed a new class of membership - trainees – to cater for the surge of employers offering post school 6

newsmonth - www.ieu.asn.au

traineeships in a variety of fields. This group of young workers are among the lowliest paid and vulnerable, hence in need of Union support and protection. We created a subcategory of our support staff membership at $2 per week to encourage membership and give them a positive first taste of the work of unions.

Our Support Staff Conference My Values, My Work held a few weeks ago was again an outstanding event providing a positive engagement of members from across NSW and the ACT. Support staff have continued to access Union PD in significant numbers especially Voice Care but several engaged in the Inclusivity suite of offerings as well.

Professional issues The education debate has this year been characterised by the Curriculum Review in NSW and what can be best described as a national dispute regarding NAPLAN as a test ‘fit for purpose’.

Neither are resolved but the childish nature of this argument was exemplified in mid-October when Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan accused the states and territories of shirking responsibility for disappointing NAPLAN results and instead blaming the test for a lack of student improvement.

Had we, the teacher unions, the ear of government, we could point out that if the curriculum was less crowded, if teachers

were released from the compliance overlays created by governments, bureaucrats and other administrators, if the audit mentality were relaxed and teachers were trusted to do their jobs, we might just make headway with literacy and numeracy.

For the 13th year since the introduction of the Standards 3 Band model EA, our staff assisted members to achieve Experienced Teacher status. This year 65 members were aided through workshops, advice and one on one assistance. Despite the long history of the 3 Band model, the IEU is continually frustrated that some schools provide no help or support for their staff.

The Union has continued to work with NESA on policy and process documents with a view to making these as fair for our members as possible. NESA have a tendency to be Department of Education centered and make assumptions about school based processes which are fair, transparent and consistently applied. They are not familiar with the real world of the Catholic and independent sector and many are ignorant of early childhood.

As previously indicated, part of our PD program has been designed to deliver advice and assistance on accreditation matters to a mass audience of newly accredited and maintaining accreditation members, those working towards accreditation at Proficient teacher and those charged with the responsibility of

supervising provisional teachers. The last of these is a new venture for the Union, is intense and has been well received. Also new this year is a series of sessions each dealing with an individual Standard and its descriptors.

Building on the work of Professor Howard Stevenson from the University of Nottingham who has twice provided presentations to our national forums, our small unit has sought creative ways to engage on a professional level with particularly teacher members. This has included a website platform (The IEU Zone) to host groups, discussions and inhouse on-demand PD, experimenting with public debates with an education theme and a Book Club. Early days yet but each shows real promise at connecting with members otherwise not engaged with the Union.

For the second consecutive year, the IEU will have uploaded more than 7000 hours of registered PD to NESA for the benefit of members. Include what we provide through our TLN partnership and this exceeds 10,000 hours.

Our reps We strive to educate our Chapter Representatives through our Reps training.

We reached almost 230 this year and all vowed to implement some of what they learned. We held a course exclusively for early childhood members which, while

issue 3 | Vol 24 | 2019

Fostering scientific intere at an early age P2 n Union of Australia e of the Indepen dent Educatio Early childhoo d educatio n magazin

independent education issue 2 | Vol 49 | 2019

Kaleidoscope

Michael O’Loughlin P8 creates GO Foundation em’ P12 student ‘ecosyst dent Education Union of Australia

the professional voice of the Indepen

small in numbers, gives us something to build on in coming years.

Our sixth Activists Conference held over Easter attracted 16 activists and potential activists, further cementing itself into our calendar of permanent and worthy events.

Women’s forums An extensive range of successful forums were held around the Branch. The BOLD initiative grew further from its origins in 2017 culminating in a second conference at Manly in August.

As a Union representing more than 70% women, we have a responsibility to be at the vanguard of promoting issues like gender equity, equal pay, paid domestic violence leave, opposition to sexual (and other) harassment and secure work.

Child protection support A significant role for the Union is in assisting members to respond to Child Protection allegations which often lack enough specific detail to allow a meaningful reply. Where investigations are delayed or substandard, it adds to the stress and inconvenience of members often adding financial pressure through loss of income.

A number of employers have built for themselves a reputation for denying access or timely access to investigation files hiding behind privacy or public interest defenses but effectively refusing natural justice to

our members. The capacity for members to defend themselves against allegations is entirely reliant on access to the purported evidence.

Publications For almost 40 years, a key part of the Union’s communication strategy has been our flagship Newsmonth. Coupled with the older journal Independent Education, these publications have broadcast our industrial and professional views far and wide.

Although hard copy periodicals continue to play a valuable role, the immediacy of electronic communications through web, email and social media is quickly taking over as the way members stay informed.

Responsive to member demands, our communications team has been experimenting with a range of delivery options with the first and last Newsmonth editions each year delivered only by electronic means.

An increasing number of members have elected to suppress hard copy and opt only for online delivery. The current paper editions will be dispatched in a more environmentally friendly biodegradable wrap.

Partnerships We have established and fostered partnerships with a range of organisations with whom we have close synergy over many years. NGS, Teachers Mutual Bank, Teachers Health Fund and Union Shopper

are but a few. We are actively aligned with the Workers Health Centre and Welfare Rights. This year we added the Member Advantage card to our suite of offerings to provide a digital membership card and additional discount opportunities for members.

Teacher exchange As always, the most exciting member benefit is teacher exchange and this year, just shy of our 35th year of teacher exchange,18 members had that chance. Council frequently gets to meet and hear from some of those from foreign shores who exchange to Australia. Postcards from abroad feature in Newsmonth and many of us lament that we don’t have the opportunity or courage to take up that opportunity.

Recruitment and retention The lifeblood of any member based organisation are its rank and file. It is imperative that we nurture and retain our existing members and recruit to our numbers those new to the profession and to our sector. We experience significant employment churn and if we are to legitimately be the voice of non government education, we must not only maintain our existing membership but grow our density.

Recruitment, retention and organising are part of our core business and we must never be afraid of being innovative, of trying

new things to build our membership and our capacity.

Since 2015 over 16,300 new members have joined, 2700 this year. That is more than half our membership. A little more than that have retired or resigned.

What we can see from these numbers is that there is nothing wrong with our recruitment strategy. We are certainly doing something right but almost 50% of our members are over 50 and only a small percentage under 30.

To all our members who volunteer to serve as Chapter Representatives or on Chapter Committees, on our internal committees or who represent us on other bodies, I offer sincere thanks and appreciation. I also acknowledge the contribution of our Executive and Council and to IEU staff.

Finally, to those I work most closely with I pay tribute. I’ll retire as Secretary in a few days as will Deputy Secretary Gloria Taylor.

I want to put on record my admiration and appreciation for all she has done for me in the more than three decades we have worked together in various roles.

Gloria has dealt with the good, the bad and the ugly in her career with the Union and with me. She has been positive and cheerful when really, she had no reason to be and her strength of character in the face of adversity is beyond remarkable. Gloria has been a superb Deputy Secretary. newsmonth - Vol 39 #7 2019

7

President Chris Wilkinson (right) with outgoing Secretary John Quessy and Helen Gregory

Federal Secretary (right) Chris Watt with Carol Matthews (Deputy Secretary elect) and Mark Northam (Secretary Elect).

Executive member John O'Neill with son Justin and wife Noeleen O'Neill There was a changing of the guard at the IEU AGM on 19 October with some new faces welcomed as Executive members as some old friends farewelled.

Angela McDonald is the new Vice President (ACT), taking over from Leah Godfrey.

“I hope that I can continue the work with the same enthusiasm and passion that Leah previously bought to this role. I’m looking forward to ensuring that the ACT is represented at the Executive level of the IEU,” Angela said.

An active member of the Monaro Branch and on the IEU/ Catholic Education Consultative Committee, Angela has been on Council since 2016.

She combines her IEU work with a large family. “I am the proud mother of six children and have welcomed my first grandchild this year. I have held many different positions across primary schools, and I am currently working full time teaching Kindergarten.

“I look forward to working for and supporting all IEU members, and particularly those in the ACT.” New Executive member Amy Mead has been a member of the IEU since she started teaching in 2012, mainly in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.

Last year she was President of the IEU’s Hunter Sub Branch. “I’m really looking forward to being on the General Executive, learning more about the IEU and working in collaboration with the other members. I hope to represent the needs of all staff members in schools,” Amy said.

Funding diverse needs Stalwart Patricia Murnane is leaving the Executive. Patricia started on Council in 1996 and on Executive in 2005. She’s been an IEU Rep at four schools and Branch President at Penrith/Blue Mountains Sub Branch.

8

newsmonth - www.ieu.asn.au

Executive member Amy Mead

“I think that the ordinary person needs unions, not only for support during their working lives, but because healthy unions are vehicles to social justice and integrity in the world.”

President Chris Wilkinson (centre) with incoming Executive Vice Presidents Bruce Paine and Angela McDonald “I’ve enjoyed my time participating at sub branch, Council and Executive levels. It has allowed me to learn and grow and enrich my life,” Patricia said.

“I’ve been especially proud to have been able to communicate my concerns for the better funding of the education of students with diverse needs and for the training and practical support that teachers need in their work with these students.

“I am excited for the Union's future because I think that the basic attitude of the organisation and members is to be open minded and always developing.

“In the years of my membership, the growth and change are evident. This progressiveness has enabled us to really take on the challenge and the reality of our digital age and this is bringing benefits to members especially in the PD area and increasingly through being able to offer online support and organising.

“The diversity of committees had allowed us to be relevant to our members and to also influence those outside our Union. In an era where propaganda and vested interests want to abolish unions, we continue to prove our value and remain relevant and growing.

“I think that the ordinary person needs unions, not only for support during their working lives, but because healthy unions are vehicles to social justice and integrity in the world.

“It seems to me that unions are the constant reminder of the dignity of the worker and the respect that we all should have for our work. I think that the IEU is a lighthouse for us.

I am deeply indebted to the IEUA NSW/ACT for personal support in my work life and would like to thank the Union for this. It will never be forgotten. I wish the Union and the whole of the IEUA all the best for the future.”

Voice for young teachers New Executive member Phoebe Craddock-Lovett has come to the Union through its conscious targeting of young teachers, and she hopes to be a voice for young teachers on the Executive, while she is conscious of representing all teachers.

She’s been a Maths teacher for three years and has served on one of the IEU’s panels for preservice teachers, Ask Me Anything.

As well as a special interest in the needs of young teachers, she wants to make sure teachers and support staff from rural and regional schools are taken into account.

Executive Financial Officer Marie MacTavish is moving on after nearly 40 years with the IEU. “I have been a chapter rep for most of my teaching career. I became an active rep on issues of social justice.

In my career in infants/primary schools, I have seen many instances of injustice in the workplace and the need for a strong voice to be an advocate for others and to counter this along with IEU support and backup.

“I have been an active member in all areas of the Hunter Valley – being an Executive, past President and Councillor.

“I have been an Executive member of the IEUA NSW/ACT Branch before becoming a Financial Officer. This time on the state body represents close to 20 years.

“Thank you for placing your faith and trust in me for the years I have served being an Executive member and Financial Officer.”

Rural and regional profile New Executive member Bruce Paine wants to ensure there is a voice for teachers and support staff who work in rural and regional areas.

MEMBERSHIP

NEWS RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2020

Standing ovation at AGM for outgoing Secretary John Quessy

Outgoing Executive (left to right) Patricia Murnane, Leah Godfrey, Marie McTavish, John Quessy and Louise Glase He wants to work toward improving conditions for teachers in the independent sector in terms of workloads, burnout and work intensification and to lift the profile and working conditions of support staff across the sector.

Louise Glase has union in the blood, attending her first IEU industrial action when she was in primary school.

Louise’s first few years on Council was alongside her mother Dawn. Louise said she felt “very blessed” to have served on Executive for two terms.

‘I saw how the Union operates at that level and had a chance to give a voice to Catholic independent schools, who represent a smaller part of the Union’s membership.

“I have been proud to witness the Union’s strong support

for the Equal Remuneration Order case where other unions have not stood up. I feel now is a time to give another person a voice on the Executive, but I shall still be attending all the Council meetings and every Chapter meeting.”

New Executives: Angela McDonald; Amy Mead; Phoebe Craddock-Lovett; Libby Lockwood. Outgoing: Ross Conlon; Patricia Murnane; Leah Godfrey; Marie MacTavish and Louise Glase.

NSW /ACT Branch Delegates to Federal Council • Moore, Carolyn • Matthews, Carol • Baker, Bernadette • McHugh, Denise • Fitzgibbon, Therese • Wilkinson, Christine

• Northam, Mark • Griffiths, Liam • Caton, Lyn • Smith, Pam • Penson, Suzanne • Cotton, Amy

• Jervis, Marilyn • Heron, Verena • Towson, David • Collins, Carolyn

Your renewal notice for 2020 membership will be emailed to you mid November 2019. If we don’t have an email address for you or your email rejects, the renewal will be posted to you early December. We will confirm send with all members via text message.

Union dues are paid in line with your workload and the Union offers various rates but, we remain unaware of any changes to employment unless you advise us.

If there are no changes for 2020 and you wish to continue on your current method of payment – please do not return the renewal notice.

The IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Executive have approved a 2.5% increase to subscription rates in 2020. For members on automated payment methods (auto credit card/direct debit/payroll deductions) the new rate will be charged from January 2020.

If you’re working full time or part time in 2020 and would like to pay the discounted rate, you’ll need to make this annual discounted payment by 10 February 2020.

Have a question or need assistance to complete the renewal? Don’t hesitate to call our Membership Team direct on 8202 8900/1800 467 943 or email your query to membership@ieu.asn.au This information might help you complete your membership renewal: Want to pay the discount rate?

Discount rate applies to full time and part time rates only and payment must be made before 10 February 2020. If you are currently paying via payroll deductions, you will need to advise your employer directly to cease deductions from 2020.

Automatic payers with no changes in 2020?

If there are no changes for 2020 to your professional or personal details, you do not need to return the renewal.

New employer in 2020?

Return the renewal this is especially important for payroll deduction payers as payment is not portable between employers and your new employer may not offer this service.

Change of workload in 2020?

Return the renewal to ensure you are paying the rate applicable to your work status in 2020.

Taking maternity leave or LWOP in 2020?

Return the renewal as we do offer rates that reflect your work status. If you are working casually whilst on leave you will need to pay a Casual membership.

Moving to casual work in 2020?

Return the renewal as we offer a Casual rate that provides you all the usual benefits at a rate reflective of your work status.

Retiring in 2020?

Return the renewal to pay the retired rate.

Changes to Fair Work Legislation mean we can no longer offer industrial coverage under this rate. If you’re working casually you will need to take up Casual membership.

We hope this information helps you, but if you have other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our best wishes for a successful Term 4 - we look forward to assisting in 2020.

Membership Team NSW/ACT Branch 8202 8900 or 1800 467 943 membership@ieu.asn.au newsmonth - Vol 39 #7 2019

9

Women being BOLDER together IEU women BOLD enough to bring about change, not only in their Union but in society at large, gathered together recently in Sydney for the Building Our Leadership Development (BOLD) Conference.

The BOLD conference drew members from all over Australia to gain strength from each other and a number of invited guest speakers, panel presenters and workshop facilitators.

This was the second BOLD conference, many participants had attended the inaugural conference held in Canberra two years ago.

IEUA Assistant Federal Secretary and conference convenor Christine Cooper said the BOLD program was designed to empower women to lead other women addressing disadvantage in a system that was failing them.

“BOLD women mentor other women.

BOLD women bring about change. We are all leaders with the power to tackle problems, such as the persistent gender pay gap, gender violence and sexual harassment.”

The keynote address was delivered by writer and presenter Jamila Rizvi, who urged BOLD participants to stop saying they were ‘lucky’.

Rizvi argues women frequently put down their success in life to luck, rather than acknowledging the hard work and skill that has made them who they are.

“It’s a woman’s job to be likeable – no one likes a successful woman . . . she is quick to put her success down to chance rather than pushing herself forward for fear of being considered ‘ambitious’.

“She’s saying, please don’t hate me because I’m successful”.

Rizvi outlined the systemic and persistent disadvantages that continue to plague women in the workforce, such as the lack of superannuation for women who tend to be in lower paid jobs.

“There are more CEOs in Australia called Andrew than there are women CEOs,” she said.

Teachers could play an important role tackling gender stereotyping in the classroom and help stop the trend of women “ruling themselves out of contention”.

The strong line up of speakers and panellists included Jennifer Moses, the National Officer for Equality and Training at NASUWT, the teachers’ union in the UK. The first black women to achieve a senior post in the union, Moses outlined

her own battle with an organisation which was, 20 years ago, “male, stale and pale”.

“I personally feel very inspired with how far the union has progressed since those days,” Moses said.

But there is still much work to be done.

A NASUWT survey found 42% of female teachers reported being sexually harassed by a pupil.

A panel discussion Where to #MeToo concluded Australia’s defamation laws had had a ‘chilling effect’ on the movement in Australia. Other panels consisted of BOLD women in the IEU and ‘kick arse activists’.

Workshops covered a variety of topics such as BOLD actions for respectful workplaces, getting our voices out, authentic activism and networking.

During the course of the day delegates were asking two questions: Why do we need women to be BOLD leaders in our Union? and how will you use your BOLD power to bring about change?

Here is a selection of replies Kylie Martinez Aboriginal Education Worker NSW/ACT Branch As a Wiradjuri woman I feel I am responsible to my people and the next generation to be BOLD to speak against injustices. I use my BOLD powers as a mother and a worker to educate children about equity and kindness.

Meeting statement We are union.

We stand united as part of a great movement of workers.

Our diversity is our strength.

Our solidarity is our power.

We respect and take care of each other Prejudice and discrimination – including misogyny, racism, homophobia and all other hatreds – have no place in our movement.

We rise together.

Today and every day we commit ourselves to achieving justice, fairness, equity and dignity for all workers.

Solidarity forever.

Narelle Ryan Teachers Aide NSW/ACT Branch We need to look out for each other so the fear and stigma that means we can’t be who we are dissipates and our self-worth builds. I wrote in the conference booklet that I am a tree with large branches to spread out and shade people and to give support to withstand ridicule and allow others to believe in themselves.

Suzanne Penson Teacher Librarian NSW/ACT Branch Women need to stand up for women’s issues and rights in the workplace and need strong women to be an example as well. My BOLD power is putting my words into action by supporting people in the workplace.

Sue Osborne Journalist

Women’s Forum highlights opportunities and achievements Hosted by PLC Armidale on 20 September, the North West Sub Branch women’s forum continued upon the success of other IEU regional women’s gatherings held this year in Kiama, Bathurst, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour.

With a focus on women’s opportunities and achievements, the Armidale forum featured two outstanding academics from the University of New England, Dr Mary McMillan and Associate Professor Penelope (Pep) Serow.

Dr Mary McMillan is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of New England who works with the Brain Behaviour Research Group to investigate mental health disorders, focusing mostly on depression. Her research aims to identify genetic and other biological markers which can be used to better diagnose and treat these disorders and improve health outcomes for millions of Australians. She greatly enjoys teaching physiology, genetics and human development, and supervising and mentoring research students.

12

newsmonth - www.ieu.asn.au

At the Armidale forum, Mary spoke about her expedition to Antarctica earlier this year on a project for women leaders and of the importance of exploring opportunities for engagement and leadership. At UNE, Mary has co-ordinated a program to provide avenues to university study for students who don’t have a traditional Science background. She has also been active in outreach programs such as HSC booster days and the CSIRO’s Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools program.

Associate Professor Pep Serow has over 25 years of experience in the education sector, with a PhD in Mathematics education and teaching qualifications in primary and secondary contexts. In addition to 12 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, Pep has over 13 years of experience in teacher education and educational research with the University of New England. She is well known to the IEU, having previously spoken at a Women’s Conference and a Mid North Coast women’s forum.

In her role as Project Leader of UNE’s Pacific Education and Development initiatives, Pep provided an update to the Armidale forum on the Nauru Teacher Education Project with which UNE and she have been involved for the past eight years. The most recent initiative in Nauru is the implementation of inclusive education policy and practice in Nauru’s schools.

Appreciation is expressed to IEU Executive member Helen Templeton and her school for hosting the forum, to IEU President Chris Wilkinson and Executive member Denise McHugh for their presence and input, and to IEU North West organiser Peter Bishop for his support.

In the words of a forum participant “The two guest speakers were engaging, informative and inspiring. It is wonderful to see women so actively involved in Science and Mathematics and who are also clearly committed to equity and inclusion in the wider community.”

Present Tense Improving standards across the sector Kendall Warren Organiser

Industry VET Stakeholder Committee In late September, the Federal Government announced the formation of an Industry VET Stakeholder Committee, an advisory body made up of employer groups in the vocational education sector to assist with the implementation of the government’s reform agenda announced in the April Budget.

The government has indicated that improving the VET sector is a priority, and a big part of their plans to create 1.25 million jobs over the coming term of government. It is expected that the committee will meet monthly, in a bid to pinpoint skills shortages and other issues, and how best to respond to these challenges.

The Committee, created by Employment Minister Michaela Cash, is entirely made up of employer representatives, including those from “business councils, consumer advocates, peak body representatives, registered training organisations, and public, private, community and not-for-profit providers”.

Observant readers will note that there is no place for unions, or any other body that might represent the interests of employees in the sector – something to be expected of a government that has little interest in the rights of working people.

bargaining’, under which an employer can be compelled to bargain where it can be demonstrated that a majority of staff (or section of staff, such as teachers), want that to happen. To find out how this might work at your college, contact the IEU.

Agreements update Your Union is seeking to improve standards across the post secondary education sector, and a big part of these efforts is through enterprise bargaining. In recent months, your Union has finalised an agreement at UNSW Global, the pathways college of UNSW. This agreement (negotiated alongside the NTEU) includes several improvements for members, including pay rises of 2% per annum (along with ‘uplift payments’ in 2020 and 2021, amounting to roughly a further 1% for most teachers), more flexible arrangements for off-site work, a sizeable increase in permanent jobs, and improved provisions for additional leave.

Your Union is also currently negotiating with several other colleges, including Navitas English Services, Navitas English ACT, Embassy English, SELC, and WSU The College.

The Fair Work Act includes provisions around ‘good faith

Personal leave In August, the Federal Court handed down a decision around the accrual of personal leave (sometimes called sick leave), which basically states that such leave must be granted in full days, and not in hourly increments, which is how most payroll systems tend to calculate it.

The relevant case was specifically about shift workers who normally work shifts greater than the standard 7.6 hours per day – if a worker normally works, say, a 12-hour shift, then one of the gazetted 10 personal leave days is worth 12 hours. Where this is most relevant to employees in the post secondary sector is that part time employees are still entitled to the full 10 days of leave, and not just a pro rata amount as is commonly the case (note that personal leave does not normally apply to casual employees).

If you would like further information about how this might affect you, contact your Union on ieu@ieu.asn.au

“How good is early education?”

Cost of year before school early education Victoria PwC analysis

Cost of year before school early education NSW PwC analysis

Families

Families

Commonwealth Government

Commonwealth Government

Victorian Government

NSW Government

There are decades of research saying that early education is a good thing and that sensible governments should invest in it. Unfortunately, as we know, governments don’t always do what is factually wise.

A cynic would say that facts never seem to change outcomes, but luckily The Front Project is not an organisation of cynics. The Front Project describes itself as “an independent national enterprise working to improve quality and create positive change in Australia’s early childhood education system”. Essentially, they are attempting to get business and community leaders to champion the benefits of an improved high quality early education system in Australia.

One of the ways the Front Project is doing this is by commissioning research to prove the economic benefits of early education and care. Their first report was released earlier this year. And it had good news.

For every dollar invested in early childhood education, Australia receives $2 back over a child’s life.

Surely, even Scott Morrison would have to say ‘How good is that?’ when faced with this figure?

The research, completed by PWC, considered the benefits of early childhood education for children, their parents or carers, governments and employers against the costs of providing it.

For every dollar invested in early childhood education programs, we receive two dollars back: • $997M to children themselves, through a lifetime of increased earnings • $1463M to families, due to increased earnings gained by returning to the workforce earlier and boosting hours in the year their child attends early childhood education as well as the impact of a shorter career gap • $1507M to government, over the

•

lifetime of the child, from increased tax revenue and decreased expenditure on health, justice and welfare, and $319M to business and the economy, from the productivity boost of a more educated workforce.

The costs that the research considered against the benefits were the costs of children accessing 15 hours per week early education in the year before school – Child Care Subsidy, Universal Access funding, the direct funding provided by state and territory governments and the cost of their role as regulators and parents fees.

The report found it cost $2.34 billion to provide 15 hours early education against $4.74 billion in benefits.

One of the most interesting parts of the research for us in NSW was the findings that in NSW the proportion of the costs of 15 hours early education in the year before school paid by the NSW Government was

23% compared to the Commonwealth’s 48%.

This compared to say Victoria where the Victorian State Government paid for 43% and the Commonwealth paid for 30%.

In other words, NSW is much more reliant on Commonwealth funding than Victoria is – because our state contributes the least towards the cost of early education.

(Interesting, but hardly news, eh?)

The report found that the largest driver of the economic benefits for early education is the impact early education has on children’s cognitive abilities. Early childhood teachers make children and the adults they become smarter!

The report can be downloaded from the Front Project’s website at www.thefrontproject.org.au Lisa Bryant Early Childhood Consultant

newsmonth - Vol 39 #7 2019

13

An era of strong support for early childhood teachers As we come to the end of the year we also come to the end of an era. This October John Quessy retires as Secretary of the IEU. John has always been a huge supporter of early childhood. In 2013 he vowed to fight until early childhood teachers reached pay parity and instigated an equal remuneration pay case which has required six years of dedication from the Union.

This now sits in the hands of three Fair Work Commissioners and we hope to have a result by the end of the year.

He also supported the Teachers are Teachers campaign and fought hard to see early childhood teachers accredited alongside their peers and recognised as professionals who do an important job.

John has also ensured that early childhood teachers in NSW had access to NESA accredited professional development over the last two years by paying membership fees for each early childhood teacher to use the Teacher Learning Network. This will continue into 2020.

The early childhood conference also enables teachers to access NESA accredited professional development and the subsidised positions mean that early childhood teachers in rural and remote areas are able to travel to Sydney to participate and network with peers.

This year it was another wonderful conference convened by the early childhood team and ECS Council members.

On behalf of all early childhood teachers in NSW, I would like to thank John for his support and commitment to the early childhood sector.

We make up only a small part of this Union yet we have always had equal consideration. Early childhood teachers are in a much better position because of this.

Mark Taylor of St Carthage's Primary School, Lismore receives his 30 year membership badge from IEU Organiser Richard Ryan

Bernadette Clowry of Holy Family Primary School Parkes, receives her 30 year membership badge

Rhys Williams presents a 30 year membership badge to Dr Chris Watson of Shire Christian School, Barden Ridge

Maureen Armstrong of Our Lady Help of Christians South Lismore receives her 30 year membership badge from IEU Organiser Richard Ryan

A moment of shared pride

Gabrielle Connell ECS Vice President

My Values, My Work – conference explores what drives support staff Values are a fundamental part of who we are and how we live. They help us to make decisions, which reflect our beliefs and viewpoints. Values enable us to plan for our future.

My Values, My Work was the theme for almost 100 school support staff, who attended the biannual conference on 13 September.

The keynote speaker was Richard Boele, a man of integrity and commitment. Richard was an inspirational speaker with a passion for sustainability, human rights and its advancement.

He champions the causes of the most vulnerable and lives his beliefs. We all walked away with an increased awareness of how to look after our global village and the environment.

Richard noted the value of teamwork that we, as education workers and Union members, strive for in our workplaces on a daily basis.

Kristyn Crossfield workshopped to identify our core values, to reach deep within ourselves to understand them more deeply.

Kristyn is a great activist for human rights and a woman with incredible insight and leadership qualities.

Each and every one of the workshops gave us insight into identifying our personal values and the way we could turn them into strengths. We’re in charge of our own futures and the conduit to change in our world.

Thanks should go to IEU Industrial Officer Carolyn Moore for her vision and wisdom for what school support staff wish to experience and should experience. She is always searching for innovative ways to enhance our personal and professional growth.

On behalf of all support staff, I would like to thank the IEU for its commitment, not just on an industrial level, but on a professional and personal level.

Carolyn Collins Vice President Support Staff 14

newsmonth - www.ieu.asn.au

October was a month of shared celebration and pride for teacher Bernadette Baker as she marked 40 years as a Union member, and it’s more than likely the IEU will be awarding her with a 50 year badge.

After taking Arts and Education at Macquarie University (Bernadette was in the first intake of university trained teacher librarians), she started teaching in 1979 at St Patrick’s Primary School Sutherland, and has spent the last 30 years at Holy Cross Primary School Helensburgh.

Her enthusiasm for primary teaching and the Union burns as bright today as it did when she was a young teacher first out of university.

“It’s more than just a job for me, you don’t walk out the door and stop thinking about the children. I just love them, they’re delightful and funny and every day is different.

“Teaching is a life affirming profession, celebrating the achievements and sharing the challenges with the children, their parents and my colleagues.”

While children remain the same, Bernadette has seen big changes in classroom technology.

“I started with a chalkboard, ending the day covered in chalk, there was no wearing your best clothes.

“The greatest innovation of the day was the appearance of the overhead projector, which introduced an Aladdin’s cave of experiences and activities to the classroom.

“Young teachers must think I am making it up when I tell them every worksheet or note to parents had to be written by hand and the pictures drawn or traced on to an A4 sheet with carbon paper and then run through a spirit based Gestetner machine.

“As reports were all handwritten you were conscious of making any mistakes, as you would then need to write the whole report again.”

Bernadette said her principal appreciates her experience and seeks her opinion, as well as encouraging her to mentor young teachers.

“While I feel valued I am happy to continue at work.

“Support for beginning teachers is better now than when I started my career, and that’s something the Union has lobbied for.

“I have always believed in the need for unions – the best is achieved with a collective voice. I have seen this in action in my 40 years, with the Union negotiating and championing for members to achieve pay increases and improvements in entitlements and working conditions.

“I have a very short message. Every teacher needs to be a member of the Union.”

“Teaching is a life affirming profession, celebrating the achievements and sharing the challenges with the children, their parents and my colleagues.”

Early childhood conference more than meets the eye

“Knowing there is someone to fight on our behalf and put the effort in to support us is encouraging.”

An air of optimism hovered over this year’s IEU early childhood conference, More than Meets the Eye, held in Sydney on 7 September and attended by more than 100 members.

Conference convenor Tina Smith said the event allowed participants to meet other like-minded professionals to swap notes and offer support and friendship.

As usual Early Childhood Vice President Gabe Connell’s address was met with a great response.

Her tongue in cheek presentation brought a wry focus to the more bizarre side of the profession, as well as canvassing important issues such as equal pay, assessment and ratings, teacher shortages and accreditation, with an in-depth knowledge gained from years at the coalface.

Participants were introduced to their new representative on the Labor side of politics, Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Jodie Harrison who replaced Kate Washington, a speaker at two previous conferences.

There was also an update on the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) case, which calls for improved pay for early childhood teachers, before the Fair Work Commission.

A decision is expected between December 2019 and April 2020.

Keynote speaker Leadership, Neurolinguistic and Conversational Intelligence Coach Sarah Moore, provided practical skills that could be used to tackle real life problems in early childhood settings.

Other presenters and workshops provided learning on a wide range of issues, including accreditation, teaching in capitalist times, recycling for toys, diverse cultures and children as advocates.

Robyn Hurst and Cheryl Peris are conference stalwarts. They’ve lost count of how many conferences they’ve attended, but it’s upwards of 20.

“We always find the conference inspiring and uplifting,” Cheryl said.

The pair are working in different roles at university and TAFE, mentoring, assessing and supervising students, and part of that process includes encouraging young teachers to join the Union.

Starting work in 1975 and 1980 respectively, Robyn and Cheryl have a wealth of experience about how much the Union can benefit teachers, and they tell their young charges so. ‘’Young employees don’t know what their rights are or that the Union can speak up for them, so we let them know.”

Cheryl said that whatever the outcome of the ERO case, she feels optimistic, due to the dedication shown by the IEU in pursuing it.

“Knowing there is someone to fight on our behalf and put the effort in to support us is encouraging, even if we don’t get what we deserve.”

Raelee Smith is also feeling optimistic about the ERO case, saying change is on its way even if progress is slow.

“It’s well overdue – what I heard about the case it sounded like the evidence provided was very convincing,” Raelee said.

A long term member of the IEU, Raelee is an Early Childhood and Inclusion Support Teacher at Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten.

“It’s nice to know we have the backing of the Union and help is available to negotiate enterprise agreements,” she said.

Alan Davies has been a teacher for 20 years and joined the IEU as soon as he started work at Allira Early Learning Centre at Dubbo.

Alan said as far as he was concerned ‘teachers are teachers’ and a positive outcome in the ERO case ought to be a given.

He enjoys working in early childhood because it comes with greater freedom to choose curricula and more independence than working in a state or system controlled school.

He made a decision to work in early childhood to address the lack of male role models, and he said parents welcome the balance he brings to a centre.

The conference was rounded off by a paella dinner accompanied by some vintage tunes at the Union’s head office.

Sue Osborne Journalist

Members declare Support Staff Conference a great success In September the Union hosted over 100 members at the 2019 Support Staff Conference at the Sydney Mercure.

The conference theme My Values My Work, struck a chord with all in the room. Those attending came from throughout NSW and the ACT and shared passionate human rights campaigner Richard Boele’s global career and life journey, and Director of Reveille Kristyn Crossfield’s commitment and active session on identifying core values and self-leadership.

Participants engaged in workshops on a range of topics so pertinent to their daily working lives.

Comments "Very useful…food for thought. I found it inspiring…up to standard as always.

"Excellent…female leadership and values attached to that has been uplifting." Tracey Spiel It’s been a great day and very enjoyable too. The keynote speaker was inspirational." Michelle Field "Fantastic! I have learnt so much about values and how they reflect in my daily life. The quality of shared information was invaluable. Great to see support staff counted for and appreciated. Thank you for making it possible for me to attend."

Cindy Mathews "A wonderful conference! All presenters allowed me to finally concede that my/our most strongly sought values eg equity, growth, fairness, community, are difficult to attain when out of alignment with organisational culture valuing certain individuals/groups over others.

However, listening to the amazing keynote speaker, Richard Boule and

other presenters, I think that many attendees may have been inspired by empowering themes, insights and strategies gained that provided optimism that motivation and inspirational leadership can be found within ourselves when it is absent or lacking in our workplace.

On the other hand, I was saddened by the number of support staff hurting due to feelings of being ‘ not listened to’ or ‘devalued’ by their Catholic and independent employers (one aptly titled workshop Rhetoric vs Reality).

Nevertheless, once again, ‘bravissima’ Carolyn Moore, for another brilliant, ‘rejuvenating’ support staff conference."

John Morabito "Excellent – the keynote speaker in particular gave me several light bulb moments. All very relevant and important." Terrianne Ryan "Great to share how we feel in the jobs we do, that is sharing information was so valuable as sometimes in our schools we feel no one is listening.

Thank you for this conference day! I feel so valued and my takeaway is that I am a leader by the way I chip away and continue to use my voice. I’m not ‘just’ support staff.

The gulf between our expectations and those we of our employers’ is striking. There must be some avenue for improving/increasing recognition of our work such as renaming our roles – for example laboratory manager not laboratory assistant.

I felt a lot of heart was put into all the information shared. It made it so personal and real. One workshop filled me with joy; it made me really think about how my small acts of kindness and positivity can work." newsmonth - Vol 39 #7 2019

15

IEU raising its profile

Labour bites Legal loophole Chinese refugee, Fu Cong has been left in limbo after the organisation he works for went bankrupt leaving him with no benefits due to loopholes in the visa system.

Cong found a job in a printing company in suburban Melbourne however, unbeknown to its employees, the printing company was trading while insolvent and declared bankruptcy without warning in October last year. He was left with nothing more than a string of dishonored pay cheques and is owed about $5000 in unpaid wages and redundancy entitlements.

In 2012, the Australian government established the Fair Entitlement Guarantee (FEG), which protects the employees of companies which go bankrupt. Australian citizens and permanent residents are entitled to up to 13 weeks of unpaid wages, as well as any unpaid annual leave and redundancy pay.

Migrant workers receive nothing.

Matt Kunkel, the director of the Migrant Workers Centre, says some companies that employed large numbers of migrants were deliberately using liquidation as a tactic to avoid paying entitlements, or forcing workers into accepting smaller settlements.

“There is no accountability for employers who can shut up shop and open up again the following day with a new name, wiping away tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of worker entitlements. When caught underpaying staff, some employers have expressly threatened to go into liquidation as a tactic to force workers to accept a smaller settlement. This move is only available to employers because temporary migrant workers have no access to the FEG scheme to recover their unpaid entitlements.” (Source: The Guardian)

Building site blitz A blitz on more than 700 building sites

by SafeWork NSW found that about 44% of the scaffolding on them had parts missing, while unlicensed workers had altered or removed scaffolding components on 36% of sites.

The Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the death of a Sydney apprentice sparked the latest review.

Christopher Cassaniti, 18, was crushed to death when the scaffold he was working on at a Macquarie Park building site came down in April. His mother has become a workplace safety advocate since her son’s death and said change could not come quickly enough.

“We will be tightening laws, we will be coming after those that are doing the wrong thing” said the Minister, “the construction industry had been put on notice”. (Source: The New Daily) 16

newsmonth - www.ieu.asn.au

At the top, real wages grow The top 1% of high earners in the UK have enjoyed a 7.6% pay increase in real terms over the last two years, while the average worker’s pay rose by just 0.1% or two pence an hour.

A Trade Union Council (TUC) analysis of government hourly pay data between 2016 and 2018 shows that pay among the very top earners increased at a faster rate than any other group.

The TUC said that average pay in real terms, when adjusted for inflation, was still worth less in real terms than before the financial crisis continuing the biggest squeeze on wages since the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, warned that the gap between the richest and everyone else will continue to widen under current government policy.

(Source: The Guardian)

IEU representation at the 2019 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Education NSW State Conference has increased awareness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education staff to the benefits of joining the Union.

The conference, run by the Catholic Schools Office NSW in partnership with Catholic Schools Office MaitlandNewcastle, was held in the Hunter Valley on 11-12 September.

It provided an opportunity for school staff at all levels to advance their professional knowledge and skills base to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and to champion reconciliation among school communities.

IEU Organisers Lyn Caton and Marilyn Jervis participated and made new

connections with many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education staff.

The Union aims to better target and assist its Aboriginal membership and has recently adapted its membership process with that aim.

Lyn and Marilyn were able to share details of the upcoming ACTU course First Nation Workplace Leaders with conference participants.

This five day program aims to develop leadership skills among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers.

Bathurst based Aboriginal Education Worker Kylie Martinez, from the IEU’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, has expressed an interest in attending.

Dream year overseas Not such a magic kingdom Tourists scream at them, sexually harass them and in the most serious cases, physically attack them, according to law enforcement reports.

“Our cast members take great pride in making magic for guests, so it is always disturbing when something like this occurs,” said Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger in a statement.

“Fortunately, it doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, we have multiple resources in place to protect our cast members’ wellbeing, including on-site law enforcement officers who respond, and are available to them.”

Among more than 50 incident reports are some shocking cases like the 23 yearold Chicago woman, angry because she didn’t have a FastPass, punched a Disney employee in the face and then began pushing buttons on the Tower of Terror ride.

A 23-year-old Parkland woman was arrested in 2015, although charges were later dropped, when she yelled racial insults, grabbed an employee’s arm twice and then tried to push past because she was told she couldn’t sit in the best seat on the Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Disney leaves it to individual employees to decide whether to press charges, but most don’t. (Source: herald tribune.com) Compiled by

John Quessy Secretary

“As Secretary and Executive Editor, it’s been my pleasure to have submitted this column over the years, this being my 140th Labour bites for Newsmonth. I trust you’ve found this global industrial reporting of interest.”

This year has turned out to be all that I dreamed of and more. By more I mean the stunning scenery of snow covered pine trees, the beautiful Muskoka Lakes and of course the serene colour of the lakes in the Rocky Mountains.

Professionally this adventure has taught me so much and also confirmed a lot – at the heart of education is the relationships we form with the students we teach and with our colleagues, no matter where we are.

The staff at St Mary’s Huntsville have embraced my Australian culture, while supporting me through the adjustment

of a new curriculum in another country.

I have loved collaborating with the staff and I am truly grateful for this experience.

I know I will take a lot away from this experience to support my future teaching.

As a family of five it has been amazing to see how close we have all become.

My three children have embraced all things Canadian from their love of maple syrup, to their new found skills of skiing, canoeing, ice hockey and a game called gaga ball.

During our time in Canada we have managed to travel extensively around Ontario, including seeing Niagara Falls, absorbing the French culture of Quebec, to the Rocky Mountains and the east coast of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. We have also travelled easily around the US from LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, Washington, Boston and more.

The language differences have been funny to say the least. Upon arrival I couldn’t close my car boot so I asked my neighbour to help. When he showed up he was very confused as he thought I needed help with my snow boot not the car trunk.

We have been fortunate to have deer in our backyard, see moose and a black bear cub up close on the side of the road. The chipmunks and squirrels are in abundance too.

I am forever grateful to my principal in Australia and my colleagues at St Joseph’s Charlestown for supporting my professional and personal goal of this exchange, my amazing Canadian exchange family – the Foxcroft family who have made this so memorable and the IEU – in particular IEU Exchange Coordinator Helen Gregory for organising this exchange.

Kathryn Hill on exchange at Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Muskoka Lakes

Teachers prepare for trip of a lifetime A lucky group of 14 IEU members got the lowdown on life overseas at the recent IEU/Department of Education teacher exchange conference.

The conference is designed to arm outgoing exchange teachers with all the information they need to know about the logistics of travelling and teaching in another country, and covers issues such as taxation, visas, health, pedagogy and union membership.

It also gives exchange teachers a chance to network with each other. Many exchange teachers participate in group activities while they are overseas.

Travel with small children PE teacher Jessica Ferris from Xavier Catholic College, Skennars Head, writes about her plans for her year in Collingwood, Ontario.

"2020 brings with it an exciting new adventure for the Ferris family. In a little over three months, a small mountain of paperwork, a few bags to pack and a house to clean, I will exchange to Collingwood Ontario with my family – my husband and three children aged one, three, and five," she said "Yes, you have read this correctly, we are taking three small children across the globe. I mean who doesn’t want to take three children to a place where temperatures plummet to minus 30 degrees Celsius and it takes over 25 hours to get there. Where do I sign up?

"Thinking about applying for this exchange, my husband and I discussed how life changing this experience would be not only for us but for our children. This chapter in their lives will bring a vast array of new, daunting, challenging and fulfilling adventures and will enable them to immerse themselves in a culture and country that is different to our own.

"We envisage the sheer joy on their faces as they see, touch and slip over in the snow for the first time and create their own Olaf (the snowman in the movie Frozen).

"Helen Gregory from the IEU and my principal at Xavier Catholic College Michael Vella backed our decision to apply 100%.

"Although the majority of our winter afternoons will be spent shredding the ski hill close by and eating poutine for dinner, school hours are the time where I will gain invaluable learning experiences that will enrich my teaching and expand my knowledge of another country’s educational system.

"This year exchange is an opportunity for ongoing professional development with the knowledge gained throughout the year strengthening my pedagogical practices. I will share experiences, maybe even a bagel and a Tim Hortons coffee, with others and hope to develop long lasting friendships.

"Our bags are packed with Tim Tams, Caramello Koalas, Fantails and footy jerseys and we are excited for the journey that lies ahead."

Learning in a new context English and RE teacher Wendy Storok is also full of anticipation.

"To say I’m excited for this opportunity to complete a teacher exchange to Canada is an understatement.

As a passionate educator and an avid traveller, I have always dreamt of working abroad and finally, this dream has come true," she said "I have been assigned to Ajax High School, Ontario to teach English to grades 9-12 for 12 months and I will

reside near the beautiful Lake Ontario in the city of Oshawa, well known for its rich culture in sports, the arts and wildlife.

"I anticipate that this exchange program will be a wonderful opportunity for me to learn in a new context, adapt to new cultural expectations, deepen my teaching skills and intercultural experiences. I look forward to immersing myself into all aspects of the Canadian lifestyle and the privilege of having a direct experience in the history of the Indigenous cultures of Canada.

"As much as I will miss my students and peers at St John Paul College in Coffs Harbour, I also feel pleased that they too will reap the cultural benefits of this exchange. Canadian English teacher Tara Moore will step into my position and bring valuable and enriching experiences to my school community. Tara is a highly accomplished teacher who will be an asset to St John Paul College and the wider school community."

Dream becomes reality Glenn Corben, Religious Education Coordinator at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Orange is turning a long held dream into reality, heading to Bracebridge, Ontario.

"My wife had been trying to convince me to do a teaching exchange for over a decade. I usually said ‘maybe when the kids are older’ or ‘wait until I settle I at my new school’ – the time just never seemed to be right," he said.

"I realised that the time was never going to be perfect – there would always be something. So finally I said ‘yes’ and we submitted our application.

"Our journey has already begun even though we have not yet left the country. The whole family is so excited at the prospect of doing this together. The kids are asking questions about Canada, looking at maps, finding out about sports they might be able to play and talking about snow.

"I am excited about a new environment to work in and a new curriculum to explore. I am reflecting on the practices and programs we implement at our school and thinking about what I want to share in Canada and what I want to find out more about.

"We are looking forward to exploring the country but also building relationships with the people we meet over there. We really just can’t wait."

Swapping ideas Nicole Lenihan of St Michael’s Primary School Nowra, can’t wait to swap teaching ideas gained from her exchange.

"I’m going on exchange to Calgary, Alberta next year with my partner Paul and I’ll be teaching Kindergarten at two Catholic primary schools. Kindergarten students only attend school for half a day in Alberta, so I will teach at one school for the morning session and my other school in the afternoon session," Nicole said.

"I’m really looking forward to the experience of teaching in Canada and collaborating with Canadian teachers. I’m hoping the experience will enrich my own teaching skills and inspire me to bring forth new ideas and strategies for the future. I can’t wait to share my experiences with family, friends, colleagues and students when I return in 2021."

Apply for 2021, contact Helen Gregory, helen@ieu.asn.au

Inaugural union training day for early childhood teachers The IEUA NSW/ACT Branch held its inaugural Union/ industrial relations training day specifically aimed at early childhood teachers on 26 August.

Topics covered on the day include progress on the Equal Remuneration Order and Work Value case; workplace rights and responsibilities; how to be more involved in the enterprise agreement (EA) process and networking with other Union members.

Kate Damo is Director of Community Based Preschool Birrahlee in Lane Cove. She has recently increased IEU membership at the preschool from just herself to five members.

“We’re professionals and belonging to the Union gives us professional recognition.

“We are negotiating our second EA now and we have good pay and conditions, above award rates.

“We have different management boards come every year so unless we have a service agreement there are no guarantees. It’s important to be in the IEU because there is no stability.

“There are so many misconceptions around about the role of early childhood teachers, even from other teachers.”

Mary-Anne Mamarelis has been Director at Canterbury Community Child Care Centre for 17 years and an early childhood teacher since 1991, when she joined the IEU. She believes in being an advocate for early childhood education. They are currently negotiating an EA at her service and she wanted to gain general information that might help all the staff.

“It’s extremely valuable to be in the IEU , knowing your rights and getting regular information and being made aware of your value.

“Being in a standalone centre being supported by the IEU is an important factor for me.”

Durrah Cook has three years’ experience as an early childhood teacher in Singapore and eight years in Australia.

She’s a teacher at Naremburn Early Learning Centre and believes a teacher is a teacher.

“There’s a lot of difference between an early childhood teacher compared to a primary or high school teacher in terms of what we are paid and the benefits we get,” Durrah said.

“I want to do something about that and make a change by being in the Union.

“Why should we be paid less because we are teaching a younger age group? We should be paid exactly the same as everyone in similar roles.”

The award and enterprise agreement workshop encouraged participants to develop practical skills giving them confidence to look up specific working conditions in their own workplaces.

Participants indicated they were looking forward to sharing what they learned in the training with the teachers at their own workplaces.

“Why should we be paid less because we are teaching a younger age group? We should be paid exactly the same as everyone in similar roles.”

newsmonth - Vol 39 #7 2019

17

Meet your Rep on NESA Special Education Committee

Fred Patchell, new IEU representative on the NESA Special Education Committee, brings decades of experience working for diversity and inclusion in schools.

IEU members appointed or nominated to education and professional committees and councils, or who attend meetings and forums on behalf of the Union, accept these positions with the understanding that they represent the voice of practicing teachers, that they will be consultative, and responsive to the wide views of IEU members.

This is the mantle Fred Patchell accepted as IEU representative on the NESA Special Education Committee – one of four advisory committees that provide advice directly to the NESA Board, and to its regulatory committees.

In particular, the Special Education Committee provides advice on broad policy issues relating to students with disability, and on issues relating to curriculum, assessment, teaching and school regulation.

As the union's member representative, Fred’s role is to reflect upon and respond to committee documentation regarding subject content/assessment/pedagogy, teacher workload, resource implications, practicality of proposals, and timelines for the introduction of the revised or new syllabuses.

In 1984, fresh out of Sydney University with an honours degree in science and a graduate diploma of teaching, Fred started his career at O’Connor Catholic College Armidale.

It was a decade before the Federal Disability Discrimination Act legislated educational provision for students with disability and only a few years after the ACTU had endorsed the Disabled Workers Charter.

But, according to Fred, O’Connor Catholic College was light years ahead of its time when it came to its culture of inclusion – enhancing curricular and social access for students of all abilities and backgrounds was a central tenet of the school’s philosophy.

There Fred first learnt that “inclusion is not just about disability, it’s about school

communities positively responding to any group at risk of marginalisation”.

Fred has since taught at other schools and TAFE colleges including a “richly exciting” time as Head of Science at St Joseph’s Tenaru in the Solomon Islands before, driven by his interests in equity, science, linguistics and teaching, he qualified as a speech pathologist.

While working at Parramatta Catholic Education Office, mostly in leadership/ advisory positions with a diversity and inclusion focus, Fred gained a PhD in Communication and Inclusion from the University of Sydney – research partly supported by an IEU Col Aitken Study Grant.

In 2013, Fred moved to Sydney Catholic Schools, initially as educator researcher in the Vanier Inclusive Technology Program then in 2015 to his current education officer role with the SCS Inner Western Regional Diverse Learning Team, working with schools to support the learning and wellbeing of students with disability (K-12).

Fred’s work includes identification of, and intervention for, speech, language and communication needs, plus developing and delivering professional learning/coaching/ consultancy to schools around inclusive teaching practice, especially as it pertains to NCCD/CSNSW Personal Planning.

Asked for his greatest professional influence, Fred named Tony Shaddock (professor, teacher and disability advocate).

“Thanks largely to Tony’s research across school systems, the move from diagnostic to needs based funding (NCCD), growing acceptance of universally designed curricula, developments in inclusive technologies such as cloud based learning support, and increased availability of quality NESA accredited professional learning, Australian schools have never been better placed to respond to student diversity.”

However, working daily in schools means Fred is also acutely aware of how changes in teaching practice often translate into increased demands on staff.

Fred welcomes contact from members: f.patchell@syd.catholic.edu.au

Principals enterprise agreement claim lodged Following discussions at the Principals’ Sub Branch meeting on 3 August and at other meetings with Catholic systemic principal members, an enterprise agreement (EA) claim was developed and presented at the IEU’s August Council meeting.

The EA claim was then formally lodged with CCER on 4 September and includes key aspects of the pay and conditions claim for teachers, as well as specific issues in relation to principals’ classification and remuneration, the implications of emerging models of leadership such as ‘school networks’ and ‘co-principals’, the increasing workload associated with compliance, and concerns about the safety and wellbeing of principals.

Another issue raised by principal members in some dioceses is the need for greater flexibility in the appointment of support staff at higher classification levels to assist the work of schools and to help alleviate workload pressures on principals and teachers.

At present Catholic systemic principals in the Sydney Archdiocese are covered by their own agreement, while those in the other 10 dioceses are under one NSW/ACT principals’ EA.

18

newsmonth - www.ieu.asn.au

Sydney principals have generally expressed a preference for being under a comprehensive EA with their NSW and ACT colleagues, subject to an alignment of salaries to combine the salary scales to ensure the adoption of the highest salary at each point. If Sydney Archdiocese does wish to retain a separate EA, the Union will seek a review of contract renewal and progression provisions for principals in the Archdiocese.

Within the context of the EA discussions, the Union has been meeting regularly with principal members and recent gatherings have included Parramatta Diocese principals on 13 August, Sydney Eastern Region principals on 23 August and Broken Bay principals on 19 September.

Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese principals will meet on 1 November, Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese on 6 November, Bathurst on 8 November and Lismore Diocese principals on 28 November. Discussions are underway for meetings/teleconferences in the Sydney Southern Region and in some country dioceses.

With regard to principals’ wellbeing, the IEUA is a participant in the Stakeholder and Research Advisory Committee for a research project on Teachers’

Experiences of Bullying and Harassment in Australian Schools.

This initiative is being overseen by La Trobe University and other participants include CaSPA, APPA and AHISA. It follows upon a 2018 La Trobe University exploratory survey in relation to bullying and harassment of principals and teachers by students and parents which found significant wellbeing impacts of such negative behavior.

A preliminary meeting of the Stakeholder and Research Advisory Committee was held on 23 September and it was agreed that the role of the Stakeholder Committee is to help drive the project and provide advice from the perspective of principals and teachers. Its role is also to ensure that the research is not only academically rigorous but is practical and relevant for education systems, schools and staff.

Focus areas at this stage were identified as including early career teachers and principals. There was also recognition that bullying and harassment issues also impact on front line workers such as school office staff. Further updates will be provided as the research progresses.

Pam Smith Principals Organiser

Sustainable Investment at NGS Super – Environmental, Social and Governance Considerations (ESG) Bernard O’Connor NGS Super

NGS Super is committed to support sustainable investment while at the same time producing strong investment returns for its members – a goal which the fund believes is not mutually exclusive.

The Fund has a responsible investment policy to ensure that environmental, social and governance risks are assessed in order to engage with investment managers and companies to promote better environmental and governance policies.

Environmental The four hottest years on the global record were 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and some of the past environmental practices used by companies are no longer acceptable.

Prior to investing in certain businesses, the investment team will consider the long, medium and short-term environmental investment risks the company poses. Under the fund’s scrutiny, if the business does not meet the policy on responsible investment, there will be no investment.

Specific restrictions are placed on companies whose primary business is the production of tobacco, a restriction on investment in companies that generate more than 30% of their revenue from the distribution or extraction of thermal coal and a restriction on companies whose primary business is the manufacture of armaments.

The Fund is a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment and every investment decision made is filtered through these principles. A recent example is the Fund’s investment in Alliance Bernstein’s Green Alpha Fund, which has a low carbon strategy aiming to achieve attractive returns while producing a positive impact on the environment.

NGS Super CEO Laura Wright said “Our investment in Green MVE is a way for us to reduce the carbon intensity and risk of our portfolio without impacting the expected returns of our members. Overall, we believe considering the cost of carbon in the investment process helps reduce the risks associated with climate change and supports in the broader transition to a low-carbon economy”.

Social NGS Super exercises its voting rights and seeks to engage directly with corporate entities which the Fund is invested in or seeks to invest in. This includes an ESG-related report to ascertain how the company deals with social issues such as industrial relations and gender balance on boards and management.

In addition to the overall screening which takes place prior to investment, NGS Super has direct investments in Newpin Social Benefit Bonds, the Resolve Benefit Bond and the Newpin Social Benefit Bond Queensland. These bonds provide a competitive financial return backed by governments while supporting activities such as returning children to their parental home, improving the lives of

The rising threat of scams

people suffering mental health issues in NSW (Resolve Program) and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to bring children who are in out-of-home care back to their family.

Governance Before investing in specific companies, NGS Super will consider information from companies regarding adherence to codes of conduct, community standards and ethical principles.

The Fund will join with other entities such as the following organisations: Australian Council of Superannuation Investors, Responsible Investment Association of Australia and the Investor Group on Climate Change, to ensure potential investments meet acceptable governance practices. Sound corporate governance is required prior to any investment and independent research on ESG considerations is a prerequisite.

NGS Super members also have the option to invest all or part of their super in a ‘green’ option which is named Socially Responsible Diversified.

According to Scamwatch, over $107 million was lost to scams in 2018. Nearly two thirds of that was in investment scams and dating/ romance scams alone, which tells us that scammers have their biggest payday when they prey on our desire for money and companionship.

According to Scamwatch “Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard. Scammers are getting smarter and taking advantage of new technology, products or services and major events to create believable stories that will convince you to give them your money or personal details.”

Once scammers have your personal information, they can commit fraudulent activities such as using your credit card to make online purchases or opening a bank account.

While financial loss from fraud is generally covered by the Bank’s insurance, things are not so straightforward with scams. According to Scamwatch “If you’ve given your personal details to a scammer, you’re unlikely to get your money back.”

In simple terms, if you hand over your personal details to someone or give them access to your accounts, you are legally recognised as having participated in the scam. While efforts can be made to retrieve your money, a return is not guaranteed.

“The best way to fight fraud is to prevent it, and the best weapon to protect our members against

(Important information: The information in this article is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a financial decision, please assess the appropriateness of the information to your individual circumstances, read the Product Disclosure Statement for any product you may be thinking of acquiring and consider seeking personal advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Any opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS Super.)

fraud is knowledge. Education is the key to success when combating scammers and keeping you safe,” Con Nikolaou, Head of Cyber Protection, Teachers Mutual Bank said.

Scamwatch.gov.au has comprehensive information on how to spot a scam and protect yourself from the threat, or you can visit the Teachers Mutual Bank security hub on our homepage for helpful hints and tips.

In general, when it comes to your online safety: • never share your pin number or security codes with anyone • never give anyone remote access to your device • never click on any unsolicited links, articles or emails • do you know the person or organisation who is contacting you, or is there a valid reason for them to do so? If the answer is no, then do not respond, and • does the offer you’ve received appear too good to be true? If so, there is a good chance it is a scam.

Remember, Teachers Mutual Bank will never contact you to ask you for your personal or other sensitive information, so do not give this out over the phone or send it via email. If you are concerned that your account has been compromised in any way, contact the Bank immediately. You can also report a scam on the Scamwatch website. newsmonth - Vol 39 #7 2019

19

In the last three years the IEU has recovered

$9,508,336 for its members...

Can you afford not to join the IEU today?

JOIN ONLINE https://www.ieu.asn.au/join-page

ADVICE TO ACHIEVE YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS If you don’t know where to begin on your road to achieving your financial goals, NGS Financial Planning can help.

We offer simple advice through to complex advice tailored specifically for you.

And as an NGS Super member your initial consultation with a financial planner is complimentary.

For more information or to make an appointment, please visit ngssuper.com.au/advice or call us on 1300 133 177.

ngssuper.com.au 1300 133 177

10

10 YR PLATINUM PERFORMANCE 2009–2019

SUPERRATINGS PLATINUM 2019 MYCHOICE SUPER

SUPERRATINGS PLATINUM 2019 PENSION

SuperRatings does not issue, sell, guarantee or underwrite this product. Go to superratings. com.au for details of its ratings criteria.

For further information about the methodology used by Chant West, see chantwest.com.au

Issued by NGS Super Pty Limited ABN 46 003 491 487 AFSL No 233 154 the trustee of NGS Super ABN 73 549 180 515

4200 (0919)

NGS Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 89 134 620 518 is a corporate authorised representative #394909 of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd ABN 46 156 498 538 AFSL #420367 and offers financial planning services on behalf of NGS Super ABN 73 549 180 515.