Agenda: November 2023 State Council Conference by SSTUWA

The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. | Australian Education Union (WA Branch)

State Council Conference

Friday & Saturday, 10-11 November 2023

Agenda The WA Teachers’ Journal – an official publication of The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. / AEU (WA Branch)

State Council Conference

We are a strong, independent, democratic union of public educators protecting and improving our industrial and professional rights and promoting quality public education for all. Our focus areas:

Protect Education for the Common Good

Keep Schools Safe Sanctuaries of Learning

Defend and Extend Your Collective Bargaining Rights

Stand Up for Your Rights

Be Proud of Your Profession

Don’t Let Politicians Interfere in the Classroom

On Education & Democracy

The book On Education & Democracy (2019) by Susan Hopgood and Fred van Leeuwen contains 25 lessons from the teaching profession for educators. These six focus areas were identified by the SSTUWA as key organisational directions following decisions from November State Council Conference 2019.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

From the President We expected the 125th year of the State School Teachers’ Union of Western Australia to be an exciting and challenging time – we have not been disappointed. At the centre of the year has been the Review of Public Education in Western Australia. I thank all of those involved – from the panel to every person and organisation that made submissions. The result was not just a documenting of the extreme situation public education finds itself in, but a blueprint for how to practically address the sector’s problems and rejuvenate both the system and the people who work in it. A long road lies ahead, but at least we have a well put together map. We will, on the morning of State Council, hear directly from the Premier of Western Australia on the issue of public sector salaries. The SSTUWA has literally led the negotiating way for the Public Sector Alliance (PSA). It will be good to be together with our PSA colleagues and hear what the premier has to say. Over the year many of your fellow members have shared their stories on how the rising cost of living has changed their lives and helped your union inform the government of the realities educators face in making ends meet. Additionally in 2023 we have seen the Voice referendum, which ended in a result most of us were disappointed by, but which at the same time underlined how dedicated our members are to equity, to social justice and to seeking to address the injustices of the past. I assure our Indigenous members that such solidarity will always be there. None of this has distracted us from our commitment to the process of negotiating new general agreements for both schools and TAFE, or in delivering every day for members who need workplace support around issues ranging from violence in the workplace to the ever-growing demands in all areas of the workplace as we deal with unprecedented educator shortages. It is fitting that our 125th year should have seen such a confluence of events. It underlines the impact this union has made and will continue to make on public education. As you may have heard before – we are a strong, independent, democratic union of public educators, protecting and improving our industrial and professional rights and promoting quality education for all. When you joined the SSTUWA you joined a team of people dedicated not only to working to protect every member’s industrial rights but committed to promoting the value of public education to the community as a whole. I hope you will agree that in this, our 125th year, we have absolutely lived up to these commitments. I thank you for your attendance and contribution to the union and the public education sector.

Matt Jarman President, SSTUWA

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

Contents From the President...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 The team............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 2023 union committees .........................................................................................................................................................................6 2023 SSTUWA State Council delegation.......................................................................................................................................8 General procedures..................................................................................................................................................................................10 SC.1 Adoption of standing orders.............................................................................................................................14 SC.2 LGBTIQ+ report............................................................................................................................................................ 16 SC.3 Education and Training Centre report.......................................................................................................17 SC.4 Growth Team report...............................................................................................................................................27 SC.5 Early childhood education report................................................................................................................ 30 SC.6 SSTUWA life membership conferral..............................................................................................................31 SC.7 Administration report........................................................................................................................................... 34 SC.8 SSTUWA rules report.............................................................................................................................................. 39 SC 9 SSTUWA rule amendments ............................................................................................................................. 39 SC.10 Legal services report............................................................................................................................................. 44 SC.11 General Agreement Schools 2021 report................................................................................................ 50 SC.12 General Agreement Schools 2023 report.................................................................................................51 SC.13 TAFE report...................................................................................................................................................................56 SC.14 General Agreement TAFE 2023 report....................................................................................................... 59 SC.15 School leaders report........................................................................................................................................... 59 SC.16 Women's report......................................................................................................................................................... 61 SC.17 Climate Action report........................................................................................................................................... 62 SC.18 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander report and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Scholarship report.........................................................................................................................65 SC.19 Lynette Virgona Scholarship report............................................................................................................66 SC.20 Country matters report.......................................................................................................................................66 SC.21 Work health and safety report....................................................................................................................... 67 SC.22 Branch motion from Seaforth Primary School Branch.................................................................. 70 SC.23 Branch motion from Coodanup College Branch.............................................................................. 70 SC.24 District Council motion from Stirling (Albany) District Council............................................... 70 AEU WA Branch Council agenda 2023 AEU WA Branch Council delegation................................................................................................................................ 75 AEUBC01/23 AEU WA Branch Council report.......................................................................................................................77 AEUBC02/23 AEU NSRA report......................................................................................................................................................... 81 AEUBC03/23 AEU WA district structure report.................................................................................................................... 82 AEUBC04/23 AEU WA Branch rule amendments..............................................................................................................84 AEUBC05/23 Decisions from the SSTUWA November 2023 State Council Conference........................ 85

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

The team Senior officers Matt Jarman President

Natalie Blewitt Senior Vice President

Sharmila Nagar Vice President

Mary Franklyn General Secretary

Tom James Matt Jarman Marie Klein Jan Lau Kathryn Mannion

Sharmila Nagar Heather Riseberry Lincoln Rose Samantha Schofield

Stacey Scorer Anne Tumak Sharon Vertigan Pauline Winrow

Executive Bruce Banyard Natalie Blewitt Donna Bridge Kate Bunney Geoff Holt

Industrial staff Kevlynn Annandale ETC Coordinator

Lindsay Hale School Leaders Consultant

Melissa Rinaldi School Leaders Organiser

Janette Bedwell Women's Contact Officer

Frank Herzog Member Assist Coordinator, Organiser Schools Kimberley

Mario Schmidt Assistant Legal Services Coordinator, Legal Services Case Manager

Cherry Bogunovich ETC Training Officer, Organiser Schools

Chloe Hosking Growth Team Officer

Liz Carbone Legal Services Advocate

Joe Isaia Organiser Schools

Christina Chabros Growth Team Officer

David Lee School Leaders Project Consultant

Ian Daw Organiser Schools

Ramona Mitussis Organiser TAFE

Marina Denn Member Assist Intern

Sarah Murray Schools – Recruitment Project Officer

Sally Dennis Organiser Schools Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler Organiser Schools John Elliman Member Assist Intern

Administrative staff Leeane Alfano Toni Bass Robyn Bloxham Jenny Case Gabrielle Clark Karen Devey Michelle Devine Julie Edmiston

Nicola Sorrell Organiser Schools Natalie Swinbourn Coordinator, Schools Organiser Team John Theodorsen Legal Services Consultant Vicki Turner Organiser Schools Jessica Wormuth Member Assist Coordinator

Helen Olivieri Legal Services Case Manager

Sam Yates Campaign Project Officer

Antony Pearson WHS Organiser

Simona Zachariassen Legal Services Case Manager

Bob Figg Carole Franklin Hayley Fretwell Diane Fry Jessica Greenwood Florecil Harris Beverley Harrison Heather Henry

Vijitha Kalubowila Cecilia Kevan Minh Lam Oswald Mandl Sarah Maraglio Shaun Mattheus Amelia Murray Matthew Penn

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

Donna Samson Michelle Sherwin Sheryl Spurway Noeleen Stewart Danielle Stitfall Daniela Van Lendt Heather Van Lendt Helen Warnock

State Council Conference

2023 union committees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Wayne Bariolo Susanne Bowles Donna Bridge Trisha Chapman Callan Hegarty Marie Klein Maurice Palmer Jessica Power Carina Ward

* Sharmila Nagar ^ Simona Zachariassen

Appointments Bruce Banyard Natalie Blewitt Matt Jarman Marie Klein Jan Lau Kathy Mannion Sharmila Nagar Pauline Winrow Sharon Vertigan

Disputes Resolution Rosemarie de Vries Sarah Dinan Geoffrey MacNicol Niall Mulligan Jessica Power Sue Smith Nicholas Virgona

Early Childhood Education Janine Bardon Kristy Howson Penelope Irvine Katherine Loader Justine Moorman Jessica Power Stacey Scorer Sharon Vertigan Pam Westphal

Education

Nicholas Virgona Janet Fisher Jessica Power * Sharmila Nagar

Emergency Bruce Banyard Natalie Blewitt Matt Jarman Kathy Mannion Sharmila Nagar

Finance

Bruce Banyard (Executive representative) Natalie Blewitt Ian Daw (Staff representative) Mary Franklyn Diane Fry Matt Jarman Sharmila Nagar Frank Sciarrone (Financial advisor) Helen Warnock

Legal

Natalie Blewitt Liz Carbone Mary Franklyn Matt Jarman Sharmila Nagar Mario Schmidt John Theodorsen

LGBTIQ

Renee Chapple Sarah Dinan Alexis Goff Marie Klein Kai Griffiths Simon Joachim V Williamson * Sharmila Nagar

* Natalie Blewitt ^ Cherry Bogunovich

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

New Educators Zachary Armstrong Isabelle Gillians Jane Cannon Matthew Crock Marvi Islam Simon Joachim Katherine Loader Brittany Moorman Aimee Reghupathy * Natalie Blewitt ^ Chloe Hosking

Rules Review Matt Jarman Mary Franklyn Sharmila Nagar Pauline Winrow

School Leaders Chris Brackenreg John Burke Matt Burt Lincoln Day Belinda Hall Denise Jeffs Melissa Kettle Christian Louis Geoffrey McNichol James Milne Bridget O'Neill Damian Shuttleworth Anthony Watson Pauline Winrow Julie Woodhouse

TAFE Committee (proxy) Frank Natalotto John Reid Julian Tennant

UnionsWA Council Delegates Natalie Blewitt Elizabeth Carbone Sally Dennis Rosemarie de Vries Sarah Dinan Mary Franklyn Alexis Goff Matt Jarman Paul Knapton Antony Pearson Melissa Peden Jessica Power Jonelle Rafols Natalie Swinbourn Nicholas Virgona

Women’s

Sharon Bergman Renee Chapple Dene Cranwell Louise Colliver Isabelle Gillians Lyla Hall Jessica Power Sandra Szopski Sharon Vertigan Ashleigh Webb * Natalie Blewitt ^Janette Bedwell

* Natalie Blewitt ^ David Lee

TAFE

Pat Burke Rhonda Coffey Caroline Constant Mark England Vicki Lucas Michael Nelson James Paxman Ferg Roper Gary Russell Andrew Samway Paul Stephenson Milan Topuzovic Benjamin Watson Lucille Wellstead Craig Wilson * Matt Jarman ^ Ramona Mitussis

* Senior officer with portfolio responsibility ^ Organiser with portfolio responsibility

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

2023 SSTUWA State Council delegation Senior officers Matt Jarman President

Natalie Blewitt Senior Vice President

Sharmila Nagar Vice President

Mary Franklyn General Secretary

Tom James Matt Jarman Marie Klein Jan Lau Kathryn Mannion

Sharmila Nagar Heather Riseberry Lincoln Rose Samantha Schofield

Stacey Scorer Anne Tumak Sharon Vertigan Pauline Winrow

Executive Bruce Banyard Natalie Blewitt Donna Bridge Kate Bunney Geoff Holt

District delegates District 1: Belmont

District 5: Goldfields

David Bravos Nike Browning Jason Lowry Justine Moorman Jacqueline Varris

Marvi Islam Geoffrey MacNicol Nicola Rose Joanna Stuart Jo-Anne Talbot Heather Van Den Rydt

Entitlement – 7

District 2: Bunbury Entitlement – 9

Zachary Armstrong Craig Bourne Renee Chapple James Keillor Nghia Nguyen Paul Reynolds Natasha Schmitt Ashleigh Webb

District 3: Butler Entitlement – 9 Wesley Buzza Sarah Dinan Kristie Williams

District 4: Fremantle Entitlement – 8 Anthony Daley Jade Elvin Geoffrey Miller Alexander Robins

Entitlement – 7

District 6: Hillarys Entitlement – 11

Melinda Carr Michelle Kingsbury Louise Loosen Samantha Marshall Melanie Moore Michelle Murphy Maurice Palmer Robyn Rochat Esther Rose Sean Vagg

District 7: Jandakot Entitlement – 10 Louise Colliver Anne Gisborne Simon Joachim

District 9: KimberleyPilbara Entitlement – 12 Danielle Boyd Orin Casey Sheena Chaplin Trisha Chapman Perin Faulkner Heather Gerrard Michael Macrae Peta Mcauliffe Kate Murrihy Julie Reed Susan Smith Jodie Thompson

District 10: Maylands Entitlement – 7

James Chandler Helene Offer Melissa Peden Carol Salt Heidie Vanzetti Alexander Vatskalis Grace Willshire

District 8: Kalamunda Entitlement – 10 Claire Eden Matthew Highman Brendon Hill Amanda Pettitt Linda Valdrighi Reece Young

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

District 11: Moore Entitlement – 9

Entitlement – 14

Kimberley Annear Gary Davies Taree Davies Grant Dodd Jennifer Heath Travis Hooper Renee Skehan Lesley Stace Brenda Wann

District 12: Morley Entitlement – 7

Kay Chadwick Stephanie Hughes

District 13: Murray Entitlement – 8 Lesley Griffiths Teresa Hill Sherie Poepjes Karin Jackson Ruth Watt

Entitlement – 9

District 17: Scarborough

Entitlement – 9

Chloe Bravos Kayla Chester Belinda Hall Brendon Nutt Shwetha Pillay Christopher Spencer Sandra Szopski

District 20: Victoria Park Entitlement – 7 Kyle Griffiths Paul Knapton Dee McLaren Anthony Tran Barbara Van Trigt

Allan Bertram Ramona Carroll Andrew Dawson Cameron Dean Judith Harrison-Ellis Carly Keay

District 18: Stirling

Patricia Burke Peter O'Neill Rick McMahon Salvatore Testa

Entitlement – 7

District 15: Riverton Bradley Carle Rachel Kealley Dillon Mason Jessica Power Linley Stewart

Leanne Bartlett Sarah Bradley Jason D’Argent Lyla Hall Gary Hedger Aleesha McKenna-Green Bridget O’Neill Jonelle Rafols Andrew Samway Christie Simpson Claire Snyders Donna Sparke Clare Topperwien Vanessa Williamson

District 19: Swan

Entitlement – 7

District 14: Perth

Entitlement – 9

District 16: Rockingham

Robert Berwick Kenneth Cornwell Rasidah Dobbs Graham Jaeckel Jasmine Porteous

Total number of 2023 State Council delegates: 145 Total number of eligible 2023 State Council delegates: 195

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

General procedures Venue

Parmelia Hilton Perth: 14 Mill Street, Perth WA

Car parking options

Parking options are limited, and public transport is recommended. Nearby paid car parks fill up quickly - delegates are advised to arrive early if they require parking. Nearby paid parking: The nearest City of Perth car park is located approximately 500m away at the Convention Centre. Visit cityofperthparking.com.au for more information. Wilson Parking is also in the vicinity; find out more at wilsonparking.com.au

Sessions

Day 1 – Friday 10 November 2023 Morning: Lunch: Afternoon:

8am to 11.45am 11.45am to 12.30pm 12.30pm to 5pm

Day 2 – Saturday 11 November 2023 Morning: Lunch: Afternoon:

8.15am to noon noon to 12.45pm 12.45pm to 4pm

Morning tea/afternoon tea

Delegates have access to tea and coffee for the duration of State Council Conference.

State Council Conference drinks Friday 10 November, 5-6pm, at the Parmelia Hilton

State Council Conference dinner

Friday 10 November, from 6.30pm, at the Parmelia Hilton

Post State Council Conference drinks

Saturday 11 November, conclusion of State Council Conference, at the Parmelia Hilton

Delegates are requested to hold discussions outside the conference room to ensure that debate can be heard. Agenda

Executive has appointed a State Council Agenda Committee based on Conference Decision 46 of 1986. The Agenda Committee will deal with agenda matters raised at State Council. State Council delegates are directed to suggest changes to the agenda to committee members by: 8.30am on Friday

12.45pm on Friday

8.30am on Saturday

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

General procedure

In the event of a division, each row will appoint two members in the row or industrial staff will act as tellers. When a division is called, all delegates in favour of the motion will stand, until the standing delegates in each row have been counted. This procedure will be followed by delegates against the motion standing until they have been counted by the appointed tellers. The tellers will communicate the numbers to the chairperson in order that the aggregates for and against the motion can be expressed to State Council. Unless the meeting determines otherwise, speakers will be limited to the following times: (i)

The proposer of a motion: five minutes for initial speech and three minutes for reply.

(ii)

The seconder of a motion and the proposer of an amendment, and all other speakers: three minutes.

The chairperson may refuse to accept for submission to the meeting any motion or amendment, which has not been submitted in writing to the chairperson, with the names of the proposer and seconder attached. No member shall speak twice on the same question unless by permission of the meeting and/or the chairperson.

State Council delegates

Delegates to State Council must be financial members and only financial members will be entitled to nominate as delegates to State Council. A financial member is defined as a member who has fully paid the account for membership fees. The State Council is divided into 20 districts. TAFE members are included in these districts and are eligible to nominate and be elected as delegates to State Council. Once nominations are closed and elections held (if necessary) the resultant list becomes the official roll for delegates and alternate delegates.

State Council delegates’ expenses Country delegates

Union rules permit the reimbursement to delegates from outside the metropolitan area of expenses actually incurred to a sum equivalent to a first class rail fare or public transport fare, whichever is the least. In the case of duly accredited delegates representing branches north of the 26th parallel, airfares for travel on a normal scheduled air service may be refunded. Where delegates use their own vehicles, they may claim expenses not exceeding the public transport fare, or in the case of duly accredited delegates representing branches north of the 26th parallel, not exceeding airfares, so long as such claim is accompanied by receipts for petrol and oil purchased.

Accommodation: Your allowance is now pre-paid

Delegates travelling more than 50km to attend State Council may claim accommodation expenses not exceeding public service rates for the number of days each delegate must be in Perth to attend the State Council. Delegates must claim their accommodation costs for State Council prior to the event by completing the Booking and Claim Form for flights and accommodation. Funds will be paid directly to the delegate. Delegates may book accommodation at any venue they wish and are responsible for paying their accommodation fees directly to the provider. Executive has resolved that State Council expenses be paid on the basis of two nights’ accommodation only, unless the driving distance is further than 500kms for the return trip or the normal mode of transport from the area concerned is by plane and plane schedules do not permit the delegate concerned to fit into the two nights’ accommodation schedule.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

Metropolitan delegates

Delegates attending State Council from within the metropolitan area may claim expenses at the rate of $20 per session, if they attend all sittings on the day for which expenses are claimed.

Pro rata reimbursement

Travelling, accommodation and metropolitan expenses referred to above will only be paid pro rata to the number of sittings attended by the delegate submitting the claim.

Claim forms

Claim forms will be available at the information desk at State Council or from the union office following State Council. Completed forms may, at the conclusion of State Council, be placed in a box supplied for this purpose, or posted or delivered to the union office.

Childcare

The SSTUWA offers members a choice of payment for childcare: •

The SSTUWA pays the childcare provider, on presentation of a tax invoice, after the member’s attendance at the designated meeting. or

•

The member pays the childcare provider, then submits the union expense claim form with supporting receipt, which is then reimbursed by the SSTUWA.

Contact the SSTUWA Accounts Team for further details: (08) 9210 6000 | accounts@sstuwa.org.au

Distribution of literature

Executive has directed that all literature distributed at State Council be endorsed by the author.

Proxy delegates

In the event that a delegate is unable to attend State Council, the alternate delegate becomes eligible to attend. The rules do not provide for proxy delegates.

Members of the media

Executive has resolved that at any major SSTUWA meeting or State Council, members of the press or other news media be required to be members of their relevant union if they wish to cover the conference or seminar.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

Friday 10 November 2023 Session 1

8am – 11.45am

8am – 8.30am

Registration and tea/coffee

8.30am – 8.50am

Travel to Public Sector Alliance event 13 minute walk

8.50am – 10.40am

Public Sector Alliance event Venue: Perth Town Hall, 601 Hay Street, Perth Speaker: Hon Roger Cook MLA, WA Premier

10.40am – 11am

Return to State Council Conference Venue: Parmelia Hilton Perth, 14 Mill Street, Perth 13 minute walk

11am – 11.15am

Welcome to Country

11.15am – 11.45am

President’s introduction Matt Jarman, President

Lunch

11.45am – 12.30pm

Session 2

12.30pm – 5pm

12.30pm – 12.45pm

Re-registration

12.45pm – 3pm

Public Education Review Dr Carmen Lawrence AO Guest speakers: Hon. Dr Tony Buti MLA Hon. Simone McGurk MLA

3pm – 4.30pm

4.30pm – 5pm

State Council reports SC.1 Adoption of standing orders SC.2 LGBTIQ+ report SC.3 Education and Training Centre report SC.4 Growth Team report SC.5 Early childhood education report SC.6 SSTUWA life membership conferral, Patricia Byrne

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

SC.1

Adoption of standing orders

Unless the meeting decides otherwise, the following rules of debate shall be observed: (a)

Whenever the chairperson rises during a debate any member standing shall resume his/her seat and the chairperson shall be heard without interruption.

(b)

When the chairperson considers it necessary to vacate the chair he/she shall ask one of the vice presidents to act as chairperson unless the meeting decides to elect another member as chairperson.

(c)

Every member desiring to speak shall stand and address the chair.

(d)

When two or more members stand at the same time to speak the chairperson shall call upon the member s/he first observes.

(e)

Unless the meeting determines otherwise, speakers shall be limited to the following times: (i)

The proposer of a motion: five minutes for his/her speech and three minutes for his/her reply.

(ii)

The seconder of a motion and the proposer of an amendment, and all other speakers: three minutes.

(f)

In his/her reply the proposer of a motion shall introduce no new matter. The proposer of an amendment shall have no right of reply.

(g)

A member who has seconded a motion without speaking to it, may speak at a later stage of the debate.

(h)

Only the mover of a motion shall speak twice on the same question unless by permission of the chairperson and/or meeting.

(i)

Any person proceeding to speak a second time on the same question, unless in accordance with these rules, shall be called to order by the chairperson except when explaining a point of his/her speech which has been misunderstood and without introducing any new matter, or when speaking to a point of order or in answer to a question directed to him/her through the chair. Such answer shall contain no new matter.

(j)

Should the mover of a motion speak to an amendment, he/she shall lose his/her right of reply.

(k)

A person who has spoken to a motion may make one speech on each of any subsequent amendments to the motion, but he/she shall not be allowed to move any such amendment.

(l)

A motion having been proposed, it may be amended by leaving out, substituting or adding words. During the debate following the first amendment, it shall be competent for delegates to move or second further amendments. A delegate who has moved, seconded or spoken on an original motion or amendment shall not move or second an amendment to it, but may speak on an amendment subsequently moved and seconded by other delegates. Once the mover has replied, the question shall be submitted to the vote, the amendments being put to the State Council in the order of their submission.

(m) The chairperson may refuse to accept any motion or amendment which has not been submitted to him/her in writing, with the names of the proposer and seconder. (n)

When a point of order is raised any person speaking at the time shall resume his/her seat and no discussion other than the point of order shall be held until the point of order is disposed of.

(o)

The reply of the mover shall conclude a discussion and on no pretence whatsoever shall a member be allowed to speak on a subject after the reply, or to re-open matter by question.

(p)

The chairperson may inquire if any member wishes to oppose a motion, and if no opposition is signified he/she may put the question without debate.

(q)

Procedural motions

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 Debate on a matter may be suspended by a motion: (i)

That the meeting be adjourned.

(ii)

That debate on the question be adjourned.

(iii)

That the meeting proceed to the next item of business provided such a motion is moved and seconded and carried by a simple majority.

Debate on a matter may be closed by a motion “That the question be now put” provided such a motion is moved and is carried by at least a two-thirds majority. Such a motion shall be put without debate, but no speaker shall be interrupted for the purpose of moving such a motion, nor shall it invalidate the right of reply of the mover of the substantive motion. Such a motion shall not be moved by a person who has spoken to the motion. Debate on a matter will be suspended whenever a member calls for a quorum. (r)

Every motion shall be put to the vote by a show of hands unless two members call for a division, in which case the meeting shall divide.

(s)

If the voting on a motion is equal the President, or the temporary chairperson, shall have a casting vote in addition to his/her deliberative vote.

(t)

A member is guilty of a breach of order when a majority vote of members declares that he/she has: used objectionable words and has refused to withdraw them or satisfactorily apologise for them; used offensive words in reference to another member; wilfully disturbed the orderly conduct of the meeting; disobeyed a lawful order from the chair. Should any member be declared guilty of a breach of order the remaining members may, by majority vote, censure that member or suspend him/her from the remainder of the meeting or part thereof.

(u)

The chairperson may adjourn a meeting. In such cases the remaining members may elect another chairperson by majority vote and commence a new meeting.

(v)

The chairperson shall decide all points of order but any member may move that such ruling be disagreed with. Should such a motion be moved the chairperson shall leave the chair unless he/she consents to remain on the expressed wish of the majority of members present and voting. The only speakers to such a motion shall be the mover or dissent and the chairperson whose ruling has been disagreed with. There shall be no right of reply. When the motion has been decided, withdrawn or referred, the chairperson whose ruling was disputed, may resume the chair. Effect shall be given to any decision reached on the point of order by a majority of the meeting.

(w)

These standing orders may be suspended at any time by a majority vote of members present.

(x)

By majority vote State Council may decide to go into committee. These standing orders shall remain in force unless a majority of members decides to suspend them but no press record of the proceedings shall be made until State Council resumes its open sitting.

(y)

A decision of the meeting may be re-considered on the vote of a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.

These standing orders shall apply to meetings of both Executive and State Council.

Recommendation: 1.

That the standing orders be adopted.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

SC.2

LGBTIQ+ report

SSTUWA’s focus areas regarding LGBTIQ+ matters in education for 2023 were the recommendations endorsed by November 2022 State Council. These were: • • •

To hold a half day LGBTIQ+ Forum where key issues would be discussed. All agreements going forward to have input from the LGBTIQ+ committee. Continue to increase our visibility to support our LGBTIQ+ members.

Half day forum Schools and TAFE (TUT) How to Create a Safe and Supportive Space for LGBTIQ+ Staff and Students Our inaugural LGBTIQ+ forum focused on How to Create a Safe and Supportive Space for LGBTIQ+ Staff and Students in Schools and TAFEs. Members were able to understand and navigate strategies around sexual and gender diversity to support staff and students in schools and TAFE; whilst also learning how to tackle discrimination in educational settings. Presenters at the forum included LGBTIQ+ committee members Kai Griffiths (they/them) and Lexi Goff (she/her); Rowan Richardson (he/him) from the AEU Tasmanian branch and John Theodorsen (he/ him) and Mario Schmidt (he/him) from SSTUWA’s legal team. Lexi Goff discussed how to create a safe queer space in an educational setting for students. Lexi shared the rationale she created for her school leadership team to consider addressing the needs of a growing number of LGBTIQ+ students at her school. The rationale outlined the overarching goals for the school in education, visibility and advocacy and stated the requirements needed to fulfill this role. Lexi’s workshop showed how educators could work with their students towards a safer environment for all. Kai Griffiths’ presentation aimed to equip members with an understanding of the resources and tools already available and how to use them to build and protect inclusive environments. They also provided useful strategies when dealing with counter arguments to support inclusivity in educational settings. Kai encouraged members to use existing research, policies, and legislation to implement necessary changes in schools and TAFE. The key outcomes from Rowan Richardson’s workshop were to identify the unique challenges LGBTIQ+ educators face and actions that can be taken back to workplaces. He focused on how diverse and inclusive spaces often do not support staff. Rowan used Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model to uncover the complex layers within human development and how they shape individual growth. Rowan utilised this model to map out the experiences faced by many LGBTIQ+ educators in schools and TAFE, and what small actions can be taken to improve their lives. The final session of the day was with staff from SSTUWA’s legal team. Both John and Mario helped members understand ways to tackle discrimination. The key message of support being that in the case of discrimination, the union will support, advise and represent its members. This includes but not limited to, assisting with internal resolution options at a workplace / department level and or assisting with an application to the Equal Opportunity Commission. All in all, the first forum was undoubtedly successful, as highlighted in the feedback received.

Gender transition leave This leave clause has been added to both the TAFE and Schools Log of Claims 2023 as an additional entitlement to existing leave provisions. The clause reads: A staff member who is affirming their gender is entitled to 30 days paid leave per annum if they are undergoing gender transition or require time to define their gender. The leave may be used for, but is not limited to: • Attending medical appointments. • Medical procedures and recovery. • Attending to any legal matters. • Or any other activity related to the staff member’s gender affirmation.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 This leave is provided in addition to any other leave entitlements that may be available to the staff member.

Increasing our visibility to support LGBTIQ+ members As a union we continue to support our LGBTIQ+ members through all our communication platforms, including articles in the Western Teacher, consistent Member Assist advice on issues regarding discrimination and our ongoing work with the Australian Education Union (AEU) in addressing any common issues across all states and territories. The LGBTIQ+ committee would like to see SSTUWA continue to take a stance around sexual and gender discrimination. This year we have updated our Know Your Rights sheets on Discrimination, Gender Diversity and Gendered Violence for Schools and TAFE. We have added resources on our website from the Equal Opportunity Commission, and we are hoping to work with the Department of Education’s newly created Diversity Alliance Network to raise this as a joint and increasing issue.

Diversity in Education Conference The AEU and NSWTF Diversity in Education Conference was held in Sydney to coincide with World Pride. Two representatives from SSTUWA attended the conference and the pre-conference caucus meeting. The event’s caucus meeting was an opportunity to meet other AEU leaders in this space, international guests and to workshop several key questions pertaining to unionism and LGBTIQ+ educational communities. These questions included: What would an authentically inclusive union look like? What does an LGBTIQ+ school look/feel/sound like? The research-based short film 'What Parents Want: Talking about Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools' and its associated package of resources were shared at the conference. The film focuses on the real voices of parents of gender and sexuality diverse young people and their experiences of navigating the school system with, and for their child. The study was conducted in every state and territory. The background attachment is the WA snapshot report: Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences and Schooling Responses. Please find the background attachment State Snapshot WA at sstuwa.org.au/statecouncil Disclaimer: In this report inclusive/inclusivity refers to all within our communities receiving equal respect and opportunities regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

SC.3

Education and Training Centre report

An overview of 2023 In 2023 there was a 13 per cent increase in the number of participants attending training events compared to 2022, with a total of 1,471 attendees. There was also a 16 per cent increase in the number of events on offer across the year compared to 2022. Table 1:1 provides a comparative snapshot of the statistics of course categories offered through the Education and Training Centre (ETC) in 2022 and then in 2023.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference Overview of event categories

Number of events 2022

Number of attendees 2022

Number of events 2023

Number of attendees 2023

% comparison

Industrial courses

312

314

0.6% increase

Professional courses

224

239

6% increase

Conferences and forums

158

188

18% increase

WHS courses

213

191% increase

Online learning professional

298

164

44% decrease

District Council

235

219

6% decrease

Public Education Review meetings

Hosted DoE Reducing Red Tape Consultation meetings

107

159

1,471

Total number of events and participants attending

136

1,300

13% increase in numbers attending

Table 1: Comparison of the Total Number of Training Events and Participants for 2022 and 2023

There has been an ongoing trend of many cancellations for all events. Teacher shortages, lack of relief teachers in schools, burnout and illness have all been significant factors influencing actual attendance at training events. As a result, in 2023, the total number of cancellations across the year was 340 people. This is approximately an 18 per cent cancellation rate across the year. Total registrations received/processed in 2023 = 1,809 Total number of actual participants attending in 2023 = 1,471 It is of interest to note the following statistics that identify first time participants attending a training event in a particular category at the SSTUWA in 2023. Category of training

% of first time participants

Industrial training

45%

Professional – Face-to-face

40%

Professional – Online

53%

Conferences and forums

39%

Table 2: Percentage of first time participants in training categories during 2023

•

45 per cent of delegates attending an industrial training event in 2023 had never participated in an SSTUWA industrial training event previously.

•

53 per cent of the people registered in an online event in 2023 had never participated in an SSTUWA online event previously.

•

39 per cent of the people who attended a conference or forum in 2023 had never previously attended a conference or forum at the SSTUWA.

The high percentage of first-time participants supports the notion that the Education and Training Centre is continually growing in its outreach to different members. New people are continually coming into the ETC.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 The statistics also support the notion that members are also returning to the SSTUWA for further training. If 40 per cent of the people attending a professional learning session is for the first time, then this shows that 60 per cent of the people attending were repeat attendees. This is also a very positive trend. Refined communication tools being implemented ensure that members are more informed and aware of upcoming events and learning opportunities. Communication tools continue to grow and include: •

Website pages

•

SSTUWA eNews - Schools, TAFE and leaders

•

SSTUWA Training Tuesdays socials – Facebook and Instagram

•

Western Teacher pages

•

Targeted emails to members

•

Distribution of course calendar

•

Course guide

•

Podcasts

•

Word of mouth

Reflections and trends for 2023 The remainder of the report provides a summary of major trends noted within each training category and outlines future directions for 2024. The report is divided into the following sections: 1.

Delegate training events in 2023

Industrial training focus in 2024

WHS training events in 2023

4. WHS training events in 2024 5. Professional learning events in 2023 6. Professional learning events focus in 2024 7.

Online learning in 2023

8. Online learning focus in 2024 9. Conferences and forums in 2023 10. Conferences and forums in 2024

1. Delegate training events in 2023 In 2023 the industrial training program continued to have a major focus on providing high quality training and support to elected delegates across all levels of experience and need. The courses have continued to be successfully presented through multiple voices from across the SSTUWA staff. The four incremental union representative training courses developed for schools have been outstanding and have resulted in reps developing their skills over time to achieve success in working in their branches. In 2023 a similar training model applied to schools was initiated for TAFE delegates. This involved the conceptualisation and development of a new Level One TAFE Delegates Training Course. The twoday course planned to delve deeply into roles and responsibilities of reps, recruitment and retention strategies, rights and entitlements and managing branch issues. Unfortunately, despite active

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference marketing of the course, only two registrations were received. The event will be promoted and offered again in 2024. Two further new industrial courses were designed and developed in 2023, each with the goal to support representatives to build their understanding and knowledge of legal topics relevant to schools or TAFE. The courses were presented by the SSTUWA Legal Services Team. •

Understanding Employment Law Frameworks for Schools (TUT) – Two day event

•

Understanding Employment Law Frameworks for TAFE Lecturers (TUT) – One day event and two day event

A one-day event was delivered for TAFE lecturers in Term 1 and was very successful. The two-day event for TAFE is scheduled for Week 6, Term 4. The two-day schools event scheduled for Week 2 had 16 registrations. The following table provides a list of the industrial training events offered in 2023 and the final attendance numbers for the year. Over 500 delegates participated in training events with SSTUWA staff. Feedback from all events is consistently positive, appreciative and committed to doing a great job back in the branches. “This was fantastic training. I have learnt so much about what to do and how to do it properly. Thank you to all presenters! Knowledgeable and approachable.” Union rep level one participant “Great modules and course. Feel a lot more confident about my role and the place of the rep.” Union rep level one participant Delegate training events in 2023 (TUT)

Number of Events

Registrations

2021 Governance Training- Face to Face and Online

Union Representative Level One: Schools

Union Representative Level Two: Schools

Union Representative Level Three: Schools

Union Representative Growth Coaching: Schools Part One

Union Representative Growth Coaching: Schools Part Two

Women’s Contact Officer Level One: Schools

Women’s Contact Officer Level Two: Schools

District Council Training Forums

219

TAFE Agreement and Campaign Training for Union Representatives and Committee Members

New: TAFE Union Reps, Deputy Reps and Women’s Contact 1 Officers Training: Level One (TUT)

New: Understanding Employment Law Frameworks for TAFE Lecturers (TUT) - One Day Event

New: Understanding Employment Law Frameworks for TAFE Lecturers (TUT) - Two Day Event

New: Understanding Employment Law Frameworks for Schools (TUT) – Two Day Event

Totals

533

Table 3: Union delegate training events and registrations for 2023 as at 15 September 2023.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

2. Industrial training focus in 2024 During Term 4, the 2023 schools and TAFE industrial programs will be reviewed. Decisions will be made about the ongoing training opportunities for elected delegates as well as for general membership in 2024. In 2024 the ETC will continue to build and develop an industrial training portfolio for schools by consolidating the experience of the newly developed courses. The following delegate training events will be offered for schools. •

Union Representative Level One: Schools

•

Union Representative Level Two: Schools

•

Union Representative Growth Coaching: Schools and TAFE

•

Women’s Contact Officer Level One: Schools and TAFE

•

Understanding Employment Law Frameworks for Schools

•

Aspiring Delegate Training Schools and TAFE

A review of the TAFE industrial program will continue with considerations around the structure and content of TAFE delegate training into 2024. The following training events will be offered: •

TAFE Agreement and Campaign Training for Union Representatives and Committee Members

•

Union Representative Level One: TAFE

•

Union Representative Level Two: TAFE

•

Union Representative Growth Coaching: Schools and TAFE

•

Women’s Contact Officer Level One: Schools and TAFE

•

Understanding Employment Law Frameworks for TAFE Lecturers

•

Aspiring Delegate Training Schools and TAFE

In 2023 various staff continued to informally offer a range of short, sharp online sessions around industrial topics. In 2024 this will continue with a focus on targeted and responsive topics required around the EBA for TAFE and EBA Schools. This will involve the identification of a range of topics relevant to member needs and industrial agendas around specific topics for both schools, TAFE and new educators. These sessions will be developed and delivered by a range of staff and will be available for delegates and general membership across schools, TAFE, school leaders and specialists.

3. WHS training events in 2023 As planned, during 2023 newly elected health and safety reps (HSRs) were able to access several training opportunities. The SSTUWA hosted seven education-specific introductory five-day events throughout the year and conducted three education-specific one-day refresher courses. A total of 195 HSRs attended training at the SSTUWA throughout the year which is a 191 per cent increase on 2022 numbers. In 2023 the Education and Training Centre worked with the health and safety organiser to develop and deliver a new WHS legislation training event for school leaders. This event was highly successful and 18 school leaders provided very positive feedback about the two-day event. As planned, in Term 4, the health and safety organiser also contributed a WHS session to a group of delegates as part of the Understanding Employment Law Framework for Schools event.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

4. WHS training events in 2024 In 2024 the following options will continue to be available for HSRs to attend training and maintain their registration as a fully-trained health and safety representative. A. Five-day Education Specific Introductory WHS Course B. One-day Education Specific WHS Refresher Course Term 1, 2024 introductory courses are currently open for registration. Further WHS school leader events will also be offered in 2024. WHS courses will continue to be a major focus for the ETC in 2024 as the demand for new legislation courses continues.

5. Professional learning events in 2023 The ETC coordinator has continued to ensure that the courses offered in January, April, July and October holidays were contemporary, relevant, practical and responsive to participant needs. High quality professional learning facilitators have provided outstanding learning opportunities and options for members. These were both face-to-face learning and online events. In 2023 approximately 239 people attended face-to-face professional learning events at the SSTUWA, a six per cent increase from the previous year. •

January continues to be the most popular time for teachers attending professional learning.

•

April holidays, which incorporates Easter, is a very difficult time for teachers to attend training. Online professional learning events were much more popular during the April holidays than the face-to-face.

•

During the July holidays, once again online professional events were well attended.

•

During the October holiday period it was obvious that educators were in great need of a break and chose to take the holidays as a time to recuperate. Only one face-to-face event and two online events went ahead.

The following table illustrates the demographic of attendees at professional learning face-to-face events from January to October 2023. It is interesting to note: •

Fifty-six per cent of participants who attended a professional course in 2023 were first time attendees at professional learning events at the SSTUWA.

•

Full-time teachers attending training is significantly higher than relief teachers.

•

There has been an increase in the number of secondary teachers choosing to attend training at the ETC, from 21 per cent to 26 per cent.

•

Primary teachers make up a significant portion of the training.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 Number of non-members

Number of regional teachers

Full-time teachers

53%

Part-time teachers

25%

Number of relief teachers

15%

Number of student members

Primary teachers

43%

Secondary teachers

26%

Ed support teachers

TAFE lecturers

First time attendees

56%

Table 4: Participant profile for face-to-face professional learning events January-October 2023

6. Professional learning focus for 2024 In 2024 the ETC coordinator will continue to consolidate the professional support offered for teachers, school leaders and lecturers as they pursue their own personal professional pathways during school holidays. The areas of most interest in 2023 will help drive decisions for new events. These will include courses around: •

Differentiation

•

Behaviour

•

Trauma informed teaching

•

Indigenous pedagogies

It is anticipated that 2024 will be a year of recovery for educators. The ETC will keep this in consideration as holiday professional learning events are scheduled. A range of courses will continue to be offered in January and will then consider that there may be ongoing personal and professional restoration needed during term breaks. Meetings have been scheduled throughout Term 4 to discuss new events/topics with possible new facilitators/educators and with current presenters to vary the suite of offerings in 2024.

7. Online learning in 2023 It is important to note that online professional courses have provided a great alternative for members to continue with their professional learning in challenging times. To supplement the professional learning face-to-face program, in 2023 the Education and Training Centre has continued to partner with the Teacher Learning Network (TLN) in Victoria to offer a range of online professional events to all members. The goal is to specifically support regional members to access high quality professional learning, but to also be able to offer a range of additional topics not always available as face-to-face courses. A total of 64 online professional events were on offer in 2023 through TLN, which is an 80 per cent increase on the number on offer in 2022. There were over 160 attendees but also multiple cancellations prior to the actual events for the same reasons as general cancellations. The ETC received close to 70 cancellations for online events. This would have made the attendance numbers over 220 participants for the year. It is of interest to note the spread of registrations across the different course lengths.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference Type of online event

Number of events Number of attendees offered

60 minute events

90 minute events

Two hour events

Three hour events

Five-hour + events

164

Table 5: Online courses registrations for 2023

8. Online learning focus in 2024 The ETC coordinator will continue to work with Teacher Learning Network to select a suite of online training events to be offered through the SSTUWA during 2024. Planning for 2024 has commenced and draft plans have been received from TLN requesting feedback. The events will fall under the following categories: •

Learning diversity courses

•

First Nations pedagogies and content

•

Wellbeing

•

Behaviour and classroom management

•

Leadership

•

Teaching and classroom practice

During 2024, TLN has indicated there will be a slight increase in costs for the provision of courses. The cost to members for online learning will thus need to be reviewed for 2024.

9. Conferences and forums in 2023 The Education and Training Centre was delighted to plan and host the annual Women’s Conference and Early Childhood Conference in 2023. Three half-day forums were also offered throughout the year. Each event was collaboratively planned with key SSTUWA staff and the senior officer holding the portfolio area. The Education and Training Centre staff prepared, promoted and hosted the events to the highest standard. Speakers for all events were outstanding. The following tables provide an overview summary of each event. As planned, the Education and Training Centre also supported the facilitation of three Public Education Review consultation sessions held at the SSTUWA.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

2023 ECE Conference: K-2 (TUT) – Reignite Your Passion – 4 August Keynote speakers and workshop presenters

The Hon Dr Anne Aly (MP) Tammy-Anne Caldwell - Above and Beyond Education Dr Kay Ayre, Edith Cowan University Hilary Keegan, School of Musical Heartbeats

Number of registrations received

Number attended

Participant profile data

53% first time ECE conference participant 28% first time ETC participant

2023 Women’s Conference: (TUT) – Strong Women, Strong Voices – 27 October Keynote speakers and workshop presenters

Mahboba Rawi OAM – Founder of Mahboba’s Promise Tina Grafton, Relationships Australia Karen Binning, Consulting WA Jenny Cole, Positively Beaming Michelle Cowan – Mother, AFL coach

Number of registrations received

Number attended

TBC

Participant profile data

50% first time Women’s Conference participant 20% First time ETC participant

LGBTIQ+ and Allies Forum (TUT) – 25 July Keynote speakers

Sharmila Nagar (she/her), Vice President, SSTUWA Lexi Goff (she/her), John Forrest Secondary College Kai Griffiths (they/them), Lynwood SHS Rowan Richardson (he/him), AEU Tasmania

Number of registrations received

Attendance

Participant profile data

100% first time LGBTIQ+ forum participant 47% first time ETC participant

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

ECE Forum: (TUT) – Supporting the Safety, Development and Bright Future of Young Children – 25 May Keynote speakers

Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, Commissioner for Children and Young People Dr Kay Ayre, Lecturer, School of Education Edith Cowan University

Number of registrations received

Attendance

Participant profile data

45% first time ECE forum participant 31% first time ETC participant

Climate Action Forum (TUT) – Supporting Climate Action and Sustainability in our Workplace – 27 June and 13 October Keynote speakers

Sharmila Nagar, Vice President, SSTUWA Jordan Rowand, Australian Youth Climate Coalition Chloe Hosking, SSTUWA Growth Team

Number of registrations received

11 (June) event postponed 5 (October) event cancelled

Attendance

0 This forum was scheduled twice in the year and unfortunately was cancelled on both occasions. The minimum number required to make the forum viable was not reached on both opportunities. Will re-look at this in 2024.

Participant profile data

N/A

Public Education Review meeting – 10 March Keynote speakers

Dr Carmen Lawrence Colin Pettit Dr Scott Fitzgerald Dr Robyn White Pam Pollard

Number of registrations received

Attendance

Participant profile data

N/A

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

10. Conferences and forums in 2024 In 2024 the following conferences and forums will be considered a priority. •

Women’s Conference

•

Early Childhood Conference/Forums

•

School Leaders’ Conference/Forums

•

New Educator Conference

•

LGBTIQ+ Forum

•

Climate Change and Sustainability Forum

•

Union Rep Forums – Schools and TAFE – EBA

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

SC.4

Growth Team report

Recruitment and retention Graduate modules This year the Growth Team have attended graduate modules one and four for the purposes of recruitment and education about the SSTUWA and the role of unions. Graduate module four continues to be a blended model, with the first day online and the second day face-to-face, which limits the opportunity for interaction and recruitment. Members from the Growth Team have attended graduate modules across the metropolitan area and those held in regional areas where participant numbers have permitted.

School visits The Growth Team - school recruitment and retention officer (GTSRRO) has been working alongside district organisers and union reps with the aim of lifting union density of specific districts. The districts selected for Semester 1 were Butler, Hillarys and Rockingham. For Semester 2, the GTSRRO districts are Perth, Morley, Scarborough and Riverton. In addition to the usual recess to lunch visits, the GTSRRO has attended after school or lunchtime branch meetings alongside the district organiser to encourage reps and the general membership to take a more active approach to recruitment. The Growth Team officer (GTO) and Growth Team new educator officer (GTNEO) have also undertaken school recruitment visits, with a focus on new educator recruitment and engagement, particularly in the districts of Kalamunda, Swan and Goldfields. These visits are incorporated in the Growth Team recruitment data.

School visits – new schools In WA, between 2013-2017, 24 newly built schools opened and between 2018-2023, there were 31. The GTSRRO has compiled a dataset of information (including union density, reps, number of visits, issues and principal membership) to look for common issues, trends and difficulties in relation to establishing branches, union organisation and recruitment at new schools. The information obtained is being utilised for discussion with school organisers and examined for ways to encourage union branch organisation and recruitment. The GTSRRO is focusing on those

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference schools that are a part of the focus districts, where the schools appear on workplace plans produced by reps who have attended union rep training, and when there is availability to visit in the calendar.

University visits The Growth Team has attended university O-days and education-specific orientations and events. SSTUWA engagement at these events has ranged from outdoor exhibitor’s stalls with join forms and merchandise, to short presentations aimed at individual cohorts of education students.

Student conversion project The student conversion project is a great opportunity for the Growth Team to make an individual connection with newly graduated teachers. A streamlined approach to this project has been undertaken during 2023. This has been due to data analysis of this project from previous years. Twice a year, this targeted approach involves a recruitment phone call to each graduating student member. Follow up information in a variety of different forms is provided if the team is unable to speak directly to the student. This approach continues to yield positive results.

Conferences All members of the Growth Team have attended a variety of conferences throughout the year. Conferences provide the team with an opportunity to engage with current and potential union members during break times, sharing information about the SSTUWA and our work. Merchandise is also available and at some of the conferences, the inclusion of an SSTUWA flyer was also provided in delegates welcome bags.

Engagement and support Western Teacher The continuation of regular articles in the Western Teacher magazine provides new educators with information specific to their needs and circumstances. Topics covered by the GTNEO have included graduate teacher entitlements, further support for graduate teachers and get involved with your union. One of our New Educator Committee members, Simon Joachim, also wrote an article, titled Solidarity Across the Tasman, covering his experiences at the Aotearoa/New Zealand PPTA New Educator Conference. In line with the new format of Western Teacher, each new educator article is accompanied by a new educator ABCs style tip, and a teaching tip. Articles continue to include the goldfish branding, making them easily identifiable for new educators.

Webinars The GTNEO and GTO have delivered a series of free webinars during 2023, with topics including graduate allocations, transitioning to full registration, classroom routines and rituals and connecting with the wider educational community. These webinars provide a low-cost way of adding value to student members, while also increasing their engagement with their union. It also provides a way for other new educator members to move through the organising funnel from passive to active engagement with the union. The GTNEO also delivered a rep Zoom webinar, So You’ve Got Grads, providing union reps across the state with information and strategies to engage with and support their graduate teachers.

Social media Working with the Communications Team, the GTNEO has produced a series of posts on four main themes for the New Educator Network: Unions101, Teaching Tip Tuesdays, I Wonder Wednesdays and Throwback Thursdays. This content has also been used for the main SSTUWA Facebook page and SSTUWA Instagram account. In addition, teaching- and union-related memes have been posted across the weekends, a weekly post to welcome new members is scheduled every Friday, and other events and issues are promoted wherever necessary. In 2022, the New Educator Committee recommended regular reminders of pending graduate modules and the requirement for graduates to complete them; this has been implemented throughout this year.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

New educator eNews A new initiative for 2023 has been the new educator eNews. On the first Tuesday of every month, early career teachers receive a newsletter with content that has been carefully curated by the GTNEO. These newsletters are bursting with information specifically tailored for beginning teachers. These eNews are proving popular with open and click through rates being very high.

Onboarding emails A second new initiative for 2023 is the trial of onboarding emails for new educator joins and student joins. In the month following joining, each of these members are sent an email from the GTO welcoming them to their union and encouraging them to engage with the New Educator Network and other opportunities. The emails include information about the Growth Team, the NEN Facebook group, the Education and Training Centre, Western Teacher, Member Assist, the new educator eNews and the new educator section of the SSTUWA website. The GTO has received positive feedback from members in response to these emails.

Leadership and activism New Educator Committee The New Educator Committee has met termly throughout 2023. Many members of this group hold union leadership positions including union rep, deputy rep, District Council and State Council delegate. Their views and ideas provide direction for the New Educator Network and their activism encourages other beginning teachers to get involved. The AEU New Educator Conference will be hosted by the ACT branch in November. This conference provides an opportunity to engage active new educator members in both professional issues and discussions around national union matters. It also helps ensure the AEU successfully responds to the views and experiences of our new educator membership. A formal report about this AEU conference will be presented at the 2024 June State Council Conference. Growth Team recruitment data for the period 1 January 2023 – 30 September 2023 Core recruitment strategies

Number visited 51 16 81 1

Financial members recruited 279 0 74 25

Student members recruited 0 422 36 0

Graduate module visits University visits School visits TFA - Intensive Other – (including online, student conversion project, conferences and inductions) Totals

146

161

472

604

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

SC.5

Early childhood education report

This year, the Education and Training Centre team have hosted two terrific events for early childhood educators – the early childhood educator forum and conference.

Early Childhood Educator Forum Held in May, this afternoon event focussed on supporting the safety, development, wellbeing and bright future of young people. Participants heard from the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones and Dr Kay Ayre from Edith Cowan University. The Commissioner shared details from the Speaking Out Survey, which was undertaken in 2021 by the Commissioner at the time, Colin Pettit. A record 16,532 children and young people took part in the survey. Here are some findings reported from the survey: •

Approximately 634,000 children and young people live in WA and make up 23 per cent of the state’s population.

•

Around 154,000 children and young people in WA live in regional and remote areas.

•

In the last 10 years there has been a 17 per cent increase in the number of children aged six to 11 years living in WA.

•

An estimated 105,000 children and young people are living below the poverty line in WA.

•

There are about 50,000 Aboriginal children and young people aged 0 to 19 years in WA.

•

Mental health is a critical issue for many children and young people.

Following the Commissioner’s address, participants heard from Dr Kay Ayre. Dr Ayre is a lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at ECU and has worked extensively with disengaged and disruptive children, their teachers and schools. Dr Ayre has a passion for helping build the capacity of teachers, to develop and maintain positive, inclusive classrooms with a focus on supporting children with trauma. One important aspect highlighted throughout Dr Ayre’s session was the importance of including play. Play helps to heal from traumatic events and free play “helps children affected by trauma gain trust; build emotional regulation; make choices; develop empathy and reduce physical aggression.” Play is learning and is the “most important job description for a child’s growth and wellbeing” (Nicholson & Kurtz, 2023)

Early Childhood Conference – Reignite Your Passion Over 60 early childhood teachers were invited to reignite their passion when they attended the annual early childhood conference in early August. This event provided our ECE members with the opportunity to learn, listen, share ideas and refresh their minds. The Hon. Dr Anne Aly, Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education opened the Conference. Following the keynote, SSTUWA President Matt Jarman addressed the Conference, providing a valuable update to members in the ECE space. Tammy-Ann Caldwell from Above and Beyond Education was the featured speaker. Tammy-Ann spoke about why a brain-based holistic approach to wellbeing, teaching and learning makes sense. The breakout workshops facilitated by Dr Kay Ayre (Edith Cowan University), Tammy-Anne, Hilary Keegan, Director – School of Musical Heartbeats were very well received. To round out the day, participants were invited to Stand Up! Step Up and Ignite their Passion! Hearing from four speakers, attendees were provided with an overview about each of these areas: Sharmila Nagar (Vice President) – Voice to Parliament; Chloe Hosking (Growth Team Officer) – Climate Change/Sustainability; Antony Pearson (WHS Organiser) – Violence in Schools; Natalie Blewitt (Senior Vice President) – 2023 proposed log of claims.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 A special thank you to all participants, presenters and the Education and Training Centre Team. It was wonderful to see so many engaged ECE teachers and as one attendee put it – “Lovely to have the opportunity to spend a day with likeminded people”.

Early Childhood Education Committee Early Childhood Education (ECE) Committee members have met termly during 2023. An ECE voice was essential when contributing to the Review into Public Education and during roundtable meetings with both the Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education – Dr Anne Aly and again with the state minister for Early Childhood Education – Minister Sabine Winton MLA. ECE committee members have also heard from the Vice President Early Childhood, AEU Victoria, Cara Nightingale, regarding the AEU submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into ECE and Care. Cara prefaced the discussion that the AEU believes a high quality properly resourced public education system is the key to a more equitable and democratic society and a fundamental entitlement of all Australian children. The AEU Federal submission and 24 recommendations were presented. Some of which included: •

Children must be at the centre of the early childhood education and care system.

•

Early childhood professionals are the backbone of quality.

•

Co-location of preschool and schools would improve access, engagement, integration with other services and increase workforce productivity.

•

Public provision must be prioritised.

•

The submission concludes with the following statement: It is time that government prioritise quality and universal accessibility to early childhood education and care over profit.

To read the full report, please visit: bit.ly/3FptLUV

Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines The Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines were released in August and the purpose of these guidelines is to facilitate the optimal learning and development of kindergarten children in Western Australia. The guidelines draw on the principles, practices and outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the key ideas and related content from the EYLF to “construct curriculum to ensure that all children in kindergarten experience quality teaching and learning”. The complete Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines can be accessed via this link: bit.ly/3M4eay2

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

SC.6

SSTUWA life membership conferral

State Council, I ask for your support in this conferral for life membership to be bestowed on Patricia Byrne, or Pat as we all know her. Pat left a presidential legacy that has stabilised and strengthened our union. Pat led the SSTUWA through the extraordinary and unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic whilst reinforcing the status of the SSTUWA as a powerful public sector union in Western Australia among the community and importantly in the eyes of government. I have witnessed the cross-government support for the SSTUWA and for Pat . Pat’s leadership, in my view, is what was needed for the time. Pat has dedicated herself to the SSTUWA since first joining in 1969.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference Through the late 1980s and into the 1990s she held various positions within the SSTUWA following her successful career as one of the few English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in the public system at that time. It is no coincidence that soon after ESL teachers became eligible for permanency for the first time. Pat was quickly regarded as a potential president during this period by the Executive of the day. This came to fruition with Pat succeeding Brian Lindberg. Unfortunately for the SSTUWA, the AEU also demanded her leadership, cutting short her initial stint as president of the SSTUWA to become AEU president in 2003. This period of national presidency was critical to the stability and future direction of the AEU given the challenges of school federal funding that were emerging under the increasingly conservative drive to fund private schools at the expense of the public system. This was a sign of things to come as the initial optimism around the Gonski review diminished as the proposals were watered down, leaving Pat and others in leadership positions with an ever more challenging fight on behalf of public schools and the wider public sector. In her time as national president Pat commissioned advertising and other action making her unpopular with the conservative media and government of the day, something I am sure she would consider a proud achievement. Pat returned from Melbourne in 2014 to become SSTUWA president and begin what eventually would become a three-term presidency. Her period as AEU president resulted in life membership to the AEU. Changes in the community expectations of schools, the rise of a problematic autonomy model, machinery of government budget cuts and more have all been navigated by Pat through the industrial instruments to support members and the needs of public education, as is the remit of the president’s role in our organisation. It is my position that no one else could have not only managed this, but at the same time improved the financial position of the SSTUWA. These feats are in themselves justification for a life membership. Then there was a global pandemic; an unprecedented health risk to all Western Australians compounded by a belligerent government who refused to shut schools no matter the implication. Pat led from the front and it was her moral compass, ability to see the issue through all the white noise and make strategic decisions that more often than not had implications for other unions, the government and the worried community. It was a demonstration of the resilience that was at the heart of Pat’s achievements. I witnessed how she found the core of the problem, considered all angles, simplified the matters for others and then made an informed, decisive decision. It is one of her leadership traits. Despite the disappointment of extreme governments being elected at federal level and the anti-TAFE and state school governance of the Barnett years, Pat never resiled from the fight, consistently setting the example to get back up and carry on the struggle. The same qualities saw the union steered through issues that at times deeply concerned and sometimes divided our membership. In 2023 we acknowledge 125 years of the SSTUWA. Over that time presidents have commonly left the SSTUWA in a better place, arguably few better than that achieved by Patricia Byrne. Comrades, I seek your endorsement for Pat’s life membership.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

That life membership be bestowed on Patricia Byrne.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

Saturday 11 November 2023 Session 3

8.15am – noon

8.15am – 9am

Registration and tea/coffee

9am – noon

State Council reports SC.7 SC.8 SC.9 SC.10 SC.11 SC.12 SC.13 SC.14 SC.15 SC.16 SC.17

Lunch

Administration report SSTUWA rules report SSTUWA rule amendments Legal services report General Agreement Schools 2021 report General Agreement Schools 2023 report TAFE report General Agreement TAFE 2023 report School leaders report Women's report Climate Action report

noon – 12.45pm

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

SC.7 1.

Administration report

Governance

Elections The following elections have been completed, or are in progress, as per our governance requirements: •

AEUWA Branch Council/SSTUWA State Council elections 2024 (in progress and conducted by Australian Electoral Commission).

•

AEU E2023/46 AEU Federal Conference and Committee Elections for 2024/2025 (completed by the Australian Electoral Commission).

•

SSTUWA Committee elections 2023: UnionsWA SSTUWA delegation, SSTUWA Disputes Resolution Committee, SSTUWA Education Committee (completed and conducted by SSTUWA Returning Officer).

•

SSTUWA/AEU WA Branch delegate, District Council delegate and SSTUWA Committee elections 2024 (in progress – managed and conducted by the SSTUWA Returning Officer and SSTUWA General Secretary/office).

Report from Returning Officer re: SSTUWA November committee elections 2023 As at the close of nominations (at noon on Friday 22 September 2023), the following nominations had been received. Eight nominations for 15 positions for Unions WA delegates, two nominations for 12 positions for the Disputes Resolution Committee and one nomination for nine positions for the Education Committee. As there are insufficient nominations for each of these positions, I declare that extraordinary vacancies do exist. SSTUWA Rule 33 (d) states: If there is no valid nomination for a single office or insufficient valid nominations for multiple offices, the Returning Officer shall report that fact to the Union and shall declare that an extraordinary vacancy/vacancies exist/s in that/those offices. The recommendation as endorsed by Executive is that State Council declare those who nominated elected at State Council and fill any vacancies by appointment as required.

IT controls audit and review The IT Controls Audit Stage Two Working Party has been established and is inclusive of internal and external personnel. Implementation of the 18 key areas of the William Buck report is underway. The working party has ensured the specific William Buck Report/SSTUWA Executive recommendations that were identified as urgent/high risk are priority actions. We are on track to manage IT control recommendations over 2023/2024 with 2025 being a consolidation final audit year.

Rules Rule changes will be put to this SSTUWA State Council in SC 8 and SC 9 and the AEUWA Branch Council in BC 04/23. Please refer to these reports for detail and recommendations.

SSTUWA district structure A change to the district structure will be required due to the current re-alignment of state electorates being conducted by the WA Electoral Commission (WAEC). This occurs every four years to ensure that state electorates maintain roughly equal numbers of electors on their rolls, as far as possible. Usually this results in relatively minor changes to boundaries, as has been the case over recent elections. However, where significant changes in population growth occur in particular suburbs, over a number of years, this can result in quite large changes to boundaries, as is the case with the most recent proposals. Very few of the 59 electorates remain unchanged, though in some instances this may only be moving one or two streets into a neighbouring electorate.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 The WAEC released its proposals after seeking and receiving suggestions from interested parties. A period of time, enabling objections to be made, concluded on 30 August. Objections will now be considered and final boundaries published on 1 December. Because the union’s district structure is aligned with WA electorates, this will mean a change to the electorates within some of our published districts and the lists of schools/colleges within the electorates. It is a requirement of the SSTUWA rules that State Council endorse any changes to the district schedule [rule 22(a)(i)]. The election process for Branch Council/State Council delegates for 2024 has formally commenced, the union having written to the AEC asking it to formally begin the process. This means that the election for 2024 delegates will be conducted using the current districts/electorates. The timeline published by the WAEC means that the final boundaries will not be published until after the November State Council. If the SSTUWA is to be in a position to re-align its districts such that the electorates for the next delegate elections are in line with the new boundaries, then this decision must be made at this November 2023 AEUWA Branch and State Councils. Please refer to the recommendations specific to this matter. Adjusted district schedule (Appendix 3 SSTUWA rules) District

Name

State Electorates

Belmont

Bassendean

Belmont

Forrestfield

Bunbury

Collie-Preston

Vasse

Butler

Mindarie

Butler

Joondalup

Fremantle

Bicton

Fremantle

Bibra Lake

Goldfields

Kalgoorlie

Roe

Hillarys

Kingsley

Wanneroo

Jandakot

Cockburn

Jandakot

Southern River

Kalamunda

Armadale

Darling Range

Kalamunda

KimberleyPilbara

Kimberley

Pilbara

Maylands

Balcatta

Maylands

Mount Lawley

Moore

Central Wheatbelt

Geraldton

Mid West

Morley

Girrawheen

Landsdale

Morley

Murray

Dawesville

Mandurah

MurrayWellington

Perth

Cottesloe

Nedlands

Perth

Riverton

Bateman

Riverton

Thornlie

Rockingham

Kwinana

Rockingham

Baldivis

Scarborough

Carine

Churchlands

Scarborough

Stirling

Albany

WarrenBlackwood

Swan

Midland

Walyunga

West Swan

Victoria Park

Cannington

South Perth

Victoria Park

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

Padbury Oakford

Secret Harbour

State Council Conference

Membership annual overview 2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Total 16,292 membership

16,778

16,857

16,859

16,796

16,949

17,404

17,737

17,804

17,858

Paying members

15,095

14,856

14,775

14,691

14,773

15,704

15,837

16,175

16,079

School members

14,128

14,212

13,993

13,890

13,786

13,777

14,656

14,767

15,117

15,022

TAFE members

967

883

865

885

905

996

1,048

1,070

1,058

1,065

Students

1,300

Recruitment and retention

Our 2024 membership growth recruitment and retention plan is on track. The strategies include the new starters schools and TAFE, EBA project, new graduate modules/PLI project, student teachers project, financial difficulty project, union rep/branch recruitment action and the Term 4 no fee project. The overall membership retention data highlights the exit of members at the mid and end career stages and where members are moving from teacher to administrator positions. Our growth strategies show we are recruiting and holding with our early career strategy. Retention is a critical challenge in 2023 and one that must be given significant attention in 2024. Our data indicates growth and, most importantly, retention occurs at schools/colleges with union branches that have structure, collaborative inclusive operations, trained and informed branch leaders and union office back up and leadership. Our branches need information, training and support to ensure that more of them are able to provide these attributes. Such consistency will better develop sustained membership growth, which in turn means sustained representation to ensure members’ rights are embedded in practice as far as possible. Retention of members and department employees in both schools and TAFE during 2023 has been more problematic than usual due to the impact of current workforce shortage pressures, continued workload/work intensification, increased lack of effective direction and action from government and the department centres, as well as public sector wages and cost of living factors. The resignations and retirements from the system are at critical levels. The impact of these factors on our membership is a principal driver for the intervention required in union recruitment and retention for 2024. Please refer to the Growth Report elsewhere in the agenda for additional information on the 2023/2024 Growth Team program.

Union delegate and council data

October 2023 Unions reps

Schools: 364 TAFE: 20

Deputy reps

Schools: 323

TAFE: 13

District Council delegates

266

State Council delegates

146

The June 2023 State Council endorsed the recommendation to consider the option of a two-year election cycle/term for SSTUWA union branch delegates and that a report be provided to this November State Council meeting. A verbal report will be provided to the State Council which includes the tabling of the possible rule change should State Council decide to progress this option. [See proposed rule change for SSTUWA Rules 23(A) and AEUWA Rules 2 and 9.]

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

Campaigns

SSTUWA 2023 campaigns SSTUWA 2023 Campaigns WA Public Sector Alliance Campaign Schools EBA Campaign 2023/2024 TAFE EBA Campaign 2023/2024 Safety is Our Priority Schools AEU/SSTUWA Federal School Funding AEU/SSTUWA Federal TAFE Funding Voice to Parliament – Unions for Yes We acknowledge the work done by staff and members for all our 2023 campaigns. The SSTUWA has, over time, developed internal operations and built staff capacity to support our campaign management and the delivery of strategies which continue to build toward our goals. The campaigning work for 2023 has been outstanding. The collaborative campaigning through the ACTU, UnionsWA, AEU and AEU branches, and our Public Sector Alliance unions continues to develop and is a strategy we will pursue in achieving our industrial and professional campaign outcomes.

Operational matters

Over 2022/2023 the following internal operational projects have been undergoing significant work. •

IT controls 2023/2024/2025 external review – Implementation commenced.

•

WHS legislation – implications for implementation of new legislation for SSTUWA and employer.

•

Member Assist review 2023/2024 – Review completed. Implementation commenced.

•

Retired Teachers’ Association – New internal structure in place. Implementation and development project for 2023/2024.

•

SSTUWA Member Disaster Assistance Policy – Implementation of second package reviewed.

•

ESG Operations Project – Continuing to broaden strategies.

•

SSTUWA Investment Policy review and implementation.

•

Union database and data storage system review, upgrade and development priority 2023/2024.

•

Communications – upgrade of software, content, modes of delivery and security to continue in 2024.

•

Rules, policies, and internal operational procedures – Review and update 2023/2024.

•

Fair Work Commission governance – implementation of federal government changes.

Since the November 2022 State Council, the focus of our work on internal operations has been on the implementation of these new and ongoing important initiatives. In the context of the increased pressures in schools and TAFE, we must take note of the resulting impact of workload and work pressures on all union staff, to manage and support members through this year, throughout the Covid and post-Covid period. In recognition of this impact, the strategy Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference going into 2024 will be one of consolidation. That is, to be focused and mindful to ensure successful implementation and delivery of these current significant operational initiatives during 2024. For the union office to deliver what the union is required to deliver and needs to deliver for our staff and members in 2024 we will continue to facilitate and support operational strategies and actions with time and resources.

Communications The Communications Team has redeveloped the SSTUWA website over 2023. This has included a refresh to the look and feel, the creation of subject specific hubs for areas such as reps, work health and safety, member benefits and groups including new educators and leaders. Members now log-in to a personalised page which features their membership card, tax statements, training history and links to their district organiser and reps. The Western Teacher digital edition has evolved to best suit the new website platform, with edition hubs created that feature articles posted as individual news stories, allowing for easy reading and sharing in a digital format. This feeds nicely into the newly designed Western Teacher eNews and also allowed for the introduction of a global search feature. Every issue is also available online in both PDF and Issu format. Online delivery continues to grow in popularity, with industry-leading open rates. eNews has also been updated, with specific versions available for TAFE and new educators, among others. The unit also introduced a new communications channel – podcasts. These have proven popular and feedback has been received from members who used the information from the podcasts to lobby MPs in funding issues. Other duties for the Communications Team this year have included: •

Conducting the WA State of our Schools survey.

•

Providing support to the review into public education, including print and digital content creation, coordinating external design and print of the final report, managing the launch event and associated media coverage.

•

Developing the union’s submission to the state government wages policy review.

•

Coordinating the vote on the schools and TAFE Log of Claims.

•

Managing all media inquiries and responses with the support of Regen Strategic.

•

Developing all materials for the schools and TAFE Log of Claims.

•

Refreshing and delivering social media content.

•

Development and design of materials such as Getting Organised, Know Your Rights and schools and TAFE red books.

In 2024, Western Teacher timelines will alter slightly to allow for the transition of Getting Organised to a mainly online document. The communications unit is also managing a transition to reworked branding for the union, with the removal of Incorporated from the union name necessitating an update of fixed assets, but at the same time offering an opportunity to refresh without excess costs.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

That Ian Stringall, returning officer, report.

That the returning officer’s report be received and the declaration for the SSTUWA Committees elections November 2023 be endorsed.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 5.

That Ian Stringall be appointed as the SSTUWA Returning Officer for 2024.

That Graeme Repper be appointed as SSTUWA Deputy Returning Officer 2024.

That State Council endorse the districts and the state electorates comprising them, as outlined in the report.

That, in the event the WA Electoral Commission’s final published electoral boundaries differ from the attached schedule, the SSTUWA Executive be authorised to amend the schedule to reflect the position of the WAEC.

That State Council acknowledges the work of the SSTUWA staff in 2023.

SC.8

SSTUWA rules report

Three amendments to the SSTUWA rules are proposed. Reference to the union is inconsistent throughout the rules; sometimes the union is referred to as the SSTUWA, sometimes as the SSTU. The proposed amendment to Rule 3A defines the acronym SSTUWA. Further, Rule 19, which refers to the union’s Appointments Committee, needs amendment as 19(b) is inconsistent with 19(c). The final proposed alteration is to Rule 23(a)(xiii) and reflects discussion at June 2023 State Council, and in SC.7 – Administration report, to extend the term of office of State Council delegates from one year to two years.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

SC 9

SSTUWA rule amendments

9.1

Proposed amendment to Rule 3A – Definitions:

That a definition of SSTUWA be included in Rule 3A, to read as follows: “SSTUWA” means The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A.

Existing rule: 3A– Definitions In these rules, unless the contrary intention appears: “AEU” means the Australian Education Union. “Agent” in the context of elections conducted pursuant to these rules, means the member of a group or team who is appointed by the group or team members to act on their behalf. “Electoral Commissioner” means the Electoral Commissioner of the Western Australian Commission.

Electoral

“executive committee” means the committee of management of the union. “executive member” means a member of the union’s committee of management. “member” means an eligible, financial member of the union. “office” means

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference (a)

The office of president, senior vice president, vice president, general secretary or executive member;

(b)

The office of State Council delegate.

“officer” means a person elected to an office within the union. “publication” means the union journal known as the ‘Western Teacher’ or any other official union publication which may appear from time to time and shall include the official website of the union. “rules” means the rules of The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. “senior officer” means the President, Senior Vice-President, Vice-President and General Secretary of the union. “union” means The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. “AEU WA Branch” means the Western Australian branch of the Australian Education Union.

Reason for proposed amendment: The proposed amendment defines the acronym SSTUWA to ensure that all uses of it clearly refer to The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. with no reference to the union’s previous incorporated status as an incorporated body under the Associations Incorporated Act 2015.

Effect of proposed amendment: 3A – Definitions In these rules, unless the contrary intention appears: “AEU” means the Australian Education Union. “Agent” in the context of elections conducted pursuant to these rules, means the member of a group or team who is appointed by the group or team members to act on their behalf. “Electoral Commissioner” means the Electoral Commissioner of the Western Australian Commission.

Electoral

The office of president, senior vice president, vice president, general secretary or executive member;

(b)

The office of State Council delegate.

“officer” means a person elected to an office within the union. “publication” means the union journal known as the ‘Western Teacher’ or any other official union publication which may appear from time to time and shall include the official website of the union. “rules” means the rules of The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. “senior officer” means the President, Senior Vice-President, Vice-President and General Secretary of the union. “SSTUWA” means The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. “union” means The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. “AEU WA Branch” means the Western Australian branch of the Australian Education Union.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

9.2 Proposed amendment to Rule 19 – Union Appointments Committee: That Rule 19(c) be deleted and replaced by the following: 19

(c)

Union Appointments Committee members shall hold their positions until the conclusion of the term of office for Senior Officers and Executive Members.

Existing rule: 19 – Union Appointments Committee (a)

The Union Appointments Committee shall consist of the President, two Vice Presidents and six Executive members.

(b)

The six Executive members will be elected by Executive in January of the year in which they take office.

(c)

The term of office for Appointments Committee members shall expire on December 31st of the year in which they were elected to the Appointments Committee.

(d)

Five members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

(e)

The functions of the Union Appointments Committee shall be to: (i)

make recommendations to the Executive as to the appointment of Industrial staff of the union from time to time; and

(ii)

such other functions as are allocated to it by the Executive from time to time.

Reason for proposed amendment: The proposed amendment corrects a deficiency in the present rule between 19(b) and (c) in that if 19(b) applies then 19(c) is redundant, OR if 19(c) applies, then there is a need for a subsequent provision as to when a replacement election would be held. The proposed amendment clarifies this by providing for Appointments Committee members, once elected, to hold that position for the remainder of their term on Executive.

Effect of proposed amendment: 19 – Union Appointments Committee (a)

The Union Appointments Committee shall consist of the President, two Vice Presidents and six Executive members.

(b)

The six Executive members will be elected by Executive in January of the year in which they take office.

(c)

Union Appointments Committee members shall hold their positions until the conclusion of the term of office for Senior Officers and Executive Members.

(d)

Five members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

(e)

The functions of the Union Appointments Committee shall be to: (i)

make recommendations to the Executive as to the appointment of Industrial staff of the union from time to time; and

(ii)

such other functions as are allocated to it by the Executive from time to time.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

9.3 Proposed amendment to Rule 23(A) – State Council: That Rule 23(a)(xiii) be deleted and replaced by the following: 23

(a)(xiii)

The election of delegates to State Council shall be held during the first school division term every two years, and such delegates shall hold office until their successors are elected.

Existing rule: 23 – State Council (a)

Rules (i)

The governing body of the Union shall be the State Council.

(ii)

Subject to any referendum of members, State Council is the supreme decision-making authority of the Union and Policy directives issued by State Council shall be adhered to by all members.

(iii)

State Council shall consist of the President, Senior Vice President, Vice President, Ordinary Executive Members, General Secretary and delegates elected from each District, in accordance with the provisions of this rule and Rule 32- Elections for Office.

(iv)

Each district shall be entitled to one delegate to State Council per 100 financial members, or part thereof.

(v)

Where sufficient nominations from women financial members have been received, at least 50% of the delegates from each district to State Council shall be women.

(vi)

Where fewer than the number of nominations required to enable subrule (a)(v), above, to be complied with, are received from women, any woman who so nominated shall be declared elected, and a ballot conducted to fill the remaining vacant position or positions.

(vii) Rule deleted. (viii) Any financial member may nominate to be a delegate to State Council representing his/ her district, provided that such nomination is proposed and seconded by two financial members who are also members of that district. (ix)

Should nominations of delegates to State Council exceed the number of delegates to which the district is entitled, the Returning Officer shall conduct a ballot of all financial members in the district to determine district representation. To attain gender balance in the district representation the Returning Officer shall, at the conclusion of the ballot, declare the highest polling women candidates elected, to the number of women delegates required under sub-rule (a)(v) of this rule. The remaining positions shall then be declared in the order of election.

(x)

In addition to electing district delegates to State Council the members of the district are entitled to elect two alternate delegates. Such alternate delegates in the order in which they were elected, shall represent the district in the absence of one of the delegates subject to notification to the Union Returning Officer.

(xi)

Where sufficient nominations from women financial members have been received, at least one of the alternate delegates shall be a woman. The Returning Officer, at the conclusion of any ballot for alternate delegates to State Council shall declare the highest polling female and male candidates elected. For the purposes of sub-rule (a)(x) of this rule, the first alternate delegate shall be the highest polling candidate of the two elected.

(xii) Where no nominations are received from women for an alternate delegate position, nominations shall be re-opened for all financial members to fill the designated position. (xiii) The election of delegates to State Council shall be held during the first school division term each year, and such delegates shall hold office until their successors are elected

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 during the first school division term of the following year, and shall be eligible for reelection. (xiv) State Council shall meet at least twice per year as determined by Executive. (xv) In the event of a casual or extraordinary vacancy arising in the office of delegate to State Council, the casual vacancy shall be filled by an election in as far as practicable the same mode as is prescribed by these rules for the election of that State Council delegate and any person so elected shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the State Council delegate he or she is elected to replace.

Reason for proposed amendment: The proposed amendment extends the term of office of State Council delegates by providing for State Council delegates to be elected for a period of two years instead of the current 12 month provision.

Effect of proposed amendment: 23 – State Council (a)

Rules (i)

The governing body of the Union shall be the State Council.

(ii)

Subject to any referendum of members, State Council is the supreme decision-making authority of the Union and Policy directives issued by State Council shall be adhered to by all members.

(iii)

(iv)

Each district shall be entitled to one delegate to State Council per 100 financial members, or part thereof.

(v)

Where sufficient nominations from women financial members have been received, at least 50% of the delegates from each district to State Council shall be women.

(vi)

(x)

(xi)

Where sufficient nominations from women financial members have been received, at least one of the alternate delegates shall be a woman. The Returning Officer, at the

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference conclusion of any ballot for alternate delegates to State Council shall declare the highest polling female and male candidates elected. For the purposes of sub-rule (a)(x) of this rule, the first alternate delegate shall be the highest polling candidate of the two elected. (xii) Where no nominations are received from women for an alternate delegate position, nominations shall be re-opened for all financial members to fill the designated position. (xiii) The election of delegates to State Council shall be held during the first school division term every two years, and such delegates shall hold office until their successors are elected. (xiv) State Council shall meet at least twice per year as determined by Executive. (xv) In the event of a casual or extraordinary vacancy arising in the office of delegate to State Council, the casual vacancy shall be filled by an election in as far as practicable the same mode as is prescribed by these rules for the election of that State Council delegate and any person so elected shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the State Council delegate he or she is elected to replace.

SC.10 Legal services report Overview This report includes data and commentary on the following: •

Number and type of cases on hand, cases opened and closed during the year and prior-year comparisons.

•

Industrial Relations Commission and court cases.

•

Significant industrial matters.

•

Services purchased from external legal services providers.

Case statistics Current cases As of 30 September 2023: •

The Legal Services Team was dealing with 109 open cases (11 more than this time last year).

•

Case managers, who deal mainly with performance management and fitness for work issues, had 65 cases (eight more than this time last year).

•

Advocates, who deal mainly with disciplinary matters, unfair dismissals and breaches of industrial instruments, had 44 cases (four more than this time last year).

In the year ended 30 September 2023: •

There were 197 new cases (compared to 209 cases in the year ended 30 September 2022).

•

The Legal Services Team closed 182 cases (compared to 194 in the year ended 30 September 2022).

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

New cases during the 12 months ending 30 April 2023 The following table shows the types of new cases received in the 12 months to 30 April 2023, compared with the previous 12-month period: Type

2022 2023

Acting for union

Assessment

Bullying

Disciplinary – Other

Disciplinary – S&I

Disciplinary – TAFE

Entitlements

Fitness for work

Flag against future employment

Forced retirement

Level 2 Grievance

Other

Payroll

Performance management

Return to work

TRBWA

Unfair dismissal/pending dismissal

Workers’ compensation

Total

194

182

The most significant change over the 12 months was a reduction in new performance management cases. There is no clear reason for this. The most significant increases over the 12 months were in the assessments and entitlements categories. Assessments are a triaging process where the Legal Services Team assesses information on referral from Member Assist to identify any potential breaches of entitlements or employment rights. Often, these cases do not result in an assessment that a breach has occurred, so changes in the number of such cases do not necessarily indicate more or fewer breaches by employers. The increased cases in the entitlements category are primarily due to several long service leave matters involving teachers who have worked a mix of casual, fixed-term or ongoing employment and are waiting for confirmation that the department will recognise their service as continuous. We expect these matters will generally resolve in the member’s favour, but the time taken to perform the necessary calculations means that the cases may stay open for some time.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

Number of open cases over time

The number of cases on hand has increased over the last 12 months, primarily due to increases in fitness for work cases. We have yet to identify any systemic factors behind the increase. We are investigating whether there may have been more medical referrals by employers or whether cases have become more complex and therefore take longer to resolve.

Open cases by type Most current cases involve disciplinary matters, followed by fitness-for-work cases and disputes concerning entitlements.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

Year-on-year comparison: Open cases as of 30 September 2023, compared with 30 September 2022

Type of case

30 September 2022 30 September 2023

Acting for union

Assessment

Bullying

Contract — seeking permanency

Criminal

Criminal and Disciplinary

Disciplinary — Other

Disciplinary — S&I

Disciplinary — TAFE

Entitlements

Fitness for work

Flag against future employment

Level 2 Grievance

Other

Payroll

Performance management

Return to work

TRBWA

Unfair dismissal/pending dismissal

Workers’ compensation

Total

109

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

Industrial Relations Commission and court cases The union has had five cases in the Industrial Relations Commission since the last State Council report and one case in the Industrial Magistrates Court.

SSTUWA v Director General, Department of Education (C33 of 2021) This was an application for the Commission to deal with a dispute under section 44 of the IR Act. The dispute concerned the Director General’s decision to dismiss a member for reasons including a finding that the teacher’s negligence resulted in injury to a student in a Design and Technology class. Commissioner Tsang delivered her decision on 22 May, dismissing the union’s application on the basis that she was not persuaded that the dismissal was unfair. This was a disappointing decision, and there were possible grounds for appeal to the Full Bench, although the prospects of a successful appeal were uncertain. The union decided not to appeal the decision. Given that the member had been teaching outside of the Department of Education since the dismissal and the TRB was conducting an investigation following the department’s disciplinary action, the union believed it would be best to focus on assisting the member with the TRB process.

SSTUWA v North Metropolitan TAFE — s 46 application concerning the interpretation of the TAFE Industrial Agreement (APPL71/2023) North Metropolitan TAFE has refused to accrue annual leave for members on workers’ compensation payments for more than six months in reliance on a provision of the TAFE industrial agreement. The union believes this practice is contrary to the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act (MCE Act), and the agreement must be interpreted such that it does not provide inferior benefits to the MCE Act. The union applied to the WAIRC for a declaration as to the proper interpretation of the industrial agreement. The matter is currently in the pre-hearing stage.

SSTUWA v North Metropolitan TAFE — Dispute concerning the dismissal of a union member (C38/2023) This application concerns the dismissal of a member that the union believes was harsh and disproportionate. Eureka Lawyers are representing the union. The employer has raised a jurisdictional objection based on a novel and controversial way of interpreting the IR Act, such that the WAIRC cannot deal with the alleged unfair dismissal of a union member as an industrial dispute. We are awaiting a date for a hearing to deal with the jurisdictional objection.

SSTUWA v Director General, Department of Education – Dispute concerning the demotion of a union member (C37/2023) This matter concerned the demotion of a union member that the union believed to be harsh and disproportionate. The union was represented by Cory Fogliani of Fogliani Lawyers. The Director General raised a jurisdictional objection challenging the union’s right to have the WAIRC deal with the matter as an industrial dispute. The union believed there was no merit in the jurisdictional argument but did not want to incur the cost and delay of a jurisdictional hearing and pursued an alternative legal strategy to resolve the situation to the member’s satisfaction.

SSTUWA v Director General, Department of Education (C36/2023) On 11 September 2023, SSTUWA applied to the WAIRC for a compulsory conference concerning a dispute over the Department of Education’s failure to notify or consult the union before announcing a new classification and other changes to entitlements as part of its Advanced Graduate Program (AGP). SSTUWA was concerned that the failure to consult or notify the union about the AGP program was inconsistent with sound industrial relations practice and meant the union had no opportunity to raise concerns or propose changes to resolve issues with the program.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 The WAIRC convened a conference on 21 September 2023. At the conference, the department agreed to provide further information and consult with the union about the program, which has resulted in improvements to the program guidelines and communications.

SSTUWA v Central Regional TAFE (M76/2023) This is a claim by SSTUWA in the Industrial Magistrates Court. The union alleges that Central Regional TAFE breached industrial agreements by failing to pay overtime to several members over a long period, dating back to 1 January 2017. There was a pre-trial conference on 7 September. Since then, there have been some discussions about settlement options, but the matter remains unresolved at the time of writing.

Major industrial issues Casual employees and long service leave Due to a long-standing misinterpretation of the Long Service Leave Act 1958 (WA) (LSL Act), many public sector casual employees with long service leave entitlements have not had those entitlements correctly calculated and credited. There have been differing views about interpreting the LSL Act and the Awards and Agreements covering public sector employees. Earlier this year, the United Workers Union (UWU) applied to the WAIRC to interpret LSL provisions of its agreements, which are similar to the LSL provisions in the Teachers Award. The WAIRC decided in favour of UWU, and the decision supports a more beneficial view of calculating LSL entitlements than the government had wanted to undertake. Unions and the government are discussing the impact of the WAIRC decision and its applicability across the public sector. It may take some time to agree on a detailed implementation plan. As an interim solution, the SSTUWA is raising individual cases with the Department of Education for an urgent assessment where there are exceptional circumstances, such as the potential for hardship due to delay. For example, we have been able to get an urgent resolution in circumstances where members needed to take long-term sick leave and had no paid sick leave remaining but were able to utilise long service leave entitlements.

External legal services providers The SSTUWA maintains a retainer agreement with Slater and Gordon while engaging other legal services providers for specific work. Engagement with several different providers increases the depth and sustainability of the legal services program, enabling us to maximise value for members and engage the most appropriate provider for a particular task. Currently, the following firms provide legal services to SSTUWA members. Firm

Services Provided

Cory Fogliani

Employment law

Eureka Lawyers

Employment law Family law Wills and probate Personal injury (other than workers’ compensation)

MDC Legal

Employment law

Slater and Gordon

Advice to the union, including commercial law matters Employment law Professional registration matters Workers’ compensation Personal injury

Tehan Legal

Criminal law Restraining orders

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

Workers’ compensation Member Assist referred 166 workers’ compensation matters to Slater and Gordon in the year ended 30 September 2023, compared to 127 in the previous 12-month period.

Workers’ compensation matters referred by month

Wills Eureka Lawyers draft a simple will for SSTUWA members, where such a will is appropriate, at a fixed fee of $200. The union pays the fee directly, so there is no charge to the member. Where a more complex will is required, Eureka Lawyers offers a substantially reduced hourly rate, and the union covers the first $200 of the member’s costs. The service is also available for retired teacher members. In the calendar year to 30 September 2023, Eureka Lawyers drafted wills for 119 members, compared to 127 in the previous 12-month period.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

SC.11

General Agreement Schools 2021 report

During 2023 the Labour Relations directorate within the Department of Education (DoE) endured staffing changes which has impacted discussions to implement the 2021 General Agreement. Despite these personnel changes, most of the General Agreement 2021 is complete with the significant exceptions of the Country Teacher Program (CTP) review and the development of a new schedule for SIDE. It is widely understood the state government is considering attraction and retention measures to apply across the public sector, possibly as a lead-up to the next state election, in response to the growing workforce challenges, or both. These may impact CTP discussions that are underway. The 2021 General Agreement relating to the CTP stated: “The department commits to reviewing CTP in consultations with the SSTUWA.” To this point the SSTUWA has compiled school and allowance data demonstrating the gaps that have accrued over time and presented this data to the DoE for consideration. The DoE has shared various metrics it applies to allocate allowances and other entitlements the SSTUWA had not previously understood as part of these discussions. Whilst the SSTUWA is satisfied the DoE has met the agreement to engage in consultations, we remain of the view that they are incomplete. SIDE too has undergone changes in leadership in 2023 and this has also delayed these discussions. The 2021 General Agreement relating to SIDE stated: ‘‘The Department commits to reviewing the working arrangements, including class sizes, instruction time, country visits and dual campus arrangements at SIDE in consultation with the unions. The

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 Department agrees that any agreed outcomes of the review of SIDE working arrangements will be included in the next Agreement at a separate ‘SIDE’ schedule.” The SSTUWA continues to conduct membership meetings framed around the criteria of class sizes, instruction time and dual campus arrangements. Whilst we would prefer this review to be further advanced, senior officers appreciate the importance of ensuring the schedule reflects the needs of SIDE and its staff.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

SC.12 General Agreement Schools 2023 report A letter was sent to Director General of Education Lisa Rodgers on 5 September requesting a schedule to initiate bargaining for the 2023 Log of Claims. This was preceded by a membership ballot where 97.4 per cent of members who voted endorsed the 2023 Log of Claims Schools. Consultation on wages policy between unions and the government began with a briefing from the Treasurer to nominated union members highlighting the predicted economic forecasting for the WA economy. This was followed the next week with a meeting with Industrial Relations (IR) Minister Johnston and union leaders; it was noted by some Public Sector Alliance members that the IR technocrats and the economic technocrats were not in alignment, unlike the previous period when the Premier was also the Treasurer. The Treasury presentation made the following points of the WA economy and Wages Policy: •

Economic growth is expected to moderate, while CPI peaked in 2022 but is now ‘normalising’.

•

Treasury counts the WA government’s electricity credits as a bonus in public sector wages.

•

A large driver of cost growth in WA government is increased spending on health.

•

25 per cent of WA economy is exposed to China – which is concentrating on finishing existing projects rather than starting new ones.

•

The key to raising more government revenue is not new taxes (which would guarantee election loss), but a more diverse WA economy.

•

The Treasurer supports improvements in career progression and the regional workforce in WA. Wants to consult about attraction and retention.

•

WA government operating surplus is vital for being able to afford pay increases, otherwise would have to resort to borrowing or privatisation.

•

WA Treasury CPI forecasts are “no more inaccurate than anyone else’s”.

•

Their forecasting uses a bottom-up approach: looking at expenditure components and consulting with businesses.

•

Treasury does not have a specific multiplier for the amplifying impact of wage growth on the WA economy. However, it does stress spending leakage (higher pay is spent outside the WA economy, therefore reducing its local benefits).

On Friday 13 October, nominated SSTUWA delegates met with Government Sector Labour Relations (GSLR) representatives and shared their examples of the cost-of-living pressures they face. These are reflected in the SSTUWA submission to the Public Sector Wages Policy review, which is part of the consultation framework with government and was submitted 19 October. The Public Sector Alliance (PSA) has engaged in ongoing discussions to discuss collective action options of its membership pending the December release of the WA government’s revised public sector wages offer. Of constant concern to the union movement is the lack of experience members

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference may have regarding industrial action; it is widely shared across the PSA that members remain dissatisfied with the legacy of the four-year $1,000 wages cap, amongst other issues, and that individual unions should be speaking to members about what options we may have in the event of a low public sector wage position from the WA government. The SSTUWA State of our Schools survey closed August 2023. The responses from members are summarised below and broken down into teacher, principals and school leaders (principals and school leaders were separated only for the purpose of this survey) on each subject area. This information will feature as required during bargaining:

Teachers responses: •

86 per cent have considered leaving the profession in the past four years. ○

Reasons why they have considered leaving the profession: ○

84.7 per cent said they were burnt out.

○

70.4 per cent cited lack of respect for the teaching profession.

○

89.5 per cent cited workload and work/life balance.

○

61.2 per cent said they had personal health and wellbeing concerns.

○

27.4 per cent cited salary issues (a big increase on last time).

○

90 per cent said workload very high (56 per cent) or high (33.7 per cent).

•

Hours worked – 31.7 per cent worked over 40 hrs, 30.2 per cent over 50 hrs and 10.5 per cent over 60 hrs.

•

40.1 per cent reported very high stress levels and 49.4 per cent high stress levels.

•

47.3 per cent said a violent incident involving parents/guardians had happened at their school at least once a term.

•

91 per cent said an incident involving violent behaviour from students had happened at their school at least once a term.

•

31 per cent said they had been a victim of physical violence at least once in the current school year.

•

55 per cent said they had been a victim of verbal violence at least once in the current school year.

•

8.8 per cent felt violence issues had been gendered.

•

58 per cent said they had not been offered professional learning on the SCASA curriculum support materials.

•

73 per cent said there was teacher shortage at their school.

○

68 per cent said this had impacted staff morale.

○

57 per cent said it had impacted student behaviour.

○

78 per cent had lost DoTT time.

○

25 per cent said specialist classes such as art and music had been reduced at primary level (29 per cent said specialist classes had been collapsed).

○

12 per cent said ATAR course offerings had been reduced.

○

31.6 per cent said teachers were instructing out of area.

○

46.8 per cent said teachers not fully qualified were being used.

○

67 per cent said shortages had increased their workload. Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 •

•

Impact on teaching responsibilities included: ○

61.5 per cent increased disruptions/distractions.

○

58.2 per cent had less time to focus on individual students.

○

52 per cent had seen negative changes in student behaviours.

○

22 per cent were teaching out of their area of expertise.

92.75 per cent said smaller class sizes would benefit them and their students. ○

84.2 per cent said there would be better learning outcomes.

○

84.2 per cent said there would be improved classroom behaviour.

○

95.4 per cent said there would be more time for individual students.

Key issues in regional areas according to teachers are: •

Staff turnover.

•

Lack of opportunity to transfer to metro area.

•

Teacher shortages.

•

Shortage of specialist teachers.

•

Cost, condition or lack of GROH housing.

•

Violence in the community.

Principals responses: •

63 per cent have considered leaving the profession in the past four years. ○

Reasons why they have considered leaving the profession: ○

76.7 per cent said they were burnt out.

○

55 per cent cited lack of respect for teaching profession.

○

75 per cent cited workload and work/life balance.

○

51.7 per cent said they had personal health and wellbeing concerns.

○

30 per cent cited salary issues (a big increase on last time).

○

90.8 per cent said workload very high (66.2 per cent) or high (24.6 per cent).

•

Hours worked – 28.9 per cent worked over 40 hrs, 39.1 per cent over 50 hrs and 23.1 per cent over 60 hrs.

•

43.2 per cent reported very high stress levels and 49.2 per cent high stress levels.

•

58.2 per cent of principals are having to regularly teach in the classroom because of teacher shortages. 53.3 per cent are teaching more than 16 hours a week.

•

44.6 per cent say their school is inadequately staffed with teachers, 46.1 per cent with specialist teachers, 46.1 per cent with IT support and 45.4 per cent with student services.

•

48.2 per cent have been verbally abused and 44.4 per cent harassed in person by parents/ guardians in the current school year.

•

89 per cent say there has been at least one violent incident per term involving students.

•

70 per cent said there was teacher shortage at their school: •

79 per cent said this had impacted staff morale.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference •

61.7 per cent said it had impacted student behaviour.

•

70.5 per cent said staff had lost DOTT time.

•

29 per cent said specialist classes such as art and music had been reduced at primary level (26 per cent said specialist classes had been collapsed).

•

8.2 per cent said ATAR course offerings had been reduced.

•

41.1 per cent said teachers were instructing out of area.

•

55.8 per cent said teachers not fully qualified were being used.

•

64.7 per cent said shortages had increased their workload.

Impact on responsibilities included: •

70.59 per cent supporting colleagues physical/mental health.

•

73.5 per cent increased internal relief.

•

50 per cent increased external relief.

•

64 per cent missing break times.

•

70 per cent increased recess/lunch duty.

61.9 per cent said smaller class sizes would benefit them and their students. •

48.4 per cent said there would be better learning outcomes.

•

60.1 per cent said there would be improved classroom behaviour.

•

75.7 per cent said there would be more time for individual students.

Key issues in regional areas according to principals are: •

Staff turnover.

•

Lack of opportunity to transfer to metro area.

•

Teacher shortages.

•

Shortage of specialist teachers.

•

Cost, condition or lack of GROH housing.

•

Violence in the community.

School leaders responses (For survey purposes school leaders were defined as deputy/associate principals, heads of department, heads of learning area and program coordinators.) •

73.39 per cent have considered leaving the profession in the past four years. •

Reasons why they have considered leaving the profession: ○

82.1 per cent said they were burnt out.

○

84.2 per cent cited workload and work/life balance.

○

51.4 per cent said they had personal health and wellbeing concerns.

○

22.14 per cent cited salary issues (a big increase on last time).

○

95.2 per cent said workload very high (70.1 per cent) or high (25.1 per cent).

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 •

Hours worked – 40.2 per cent worked over 40 hrs, 37.2 per cent over 50 hrs and 15.8 per cent over 60 hrs.

•

40 per cent reported very high stress levels and 52.3 per cent high stress levels.

•

44 per cent of school leaders are having to teach more hours than timetabled in the classroom because of teacher shortages.

•

57.8 per cent say their school is inadequately staffed with teachers, 60.2 per cent with specialist teachers, 38.2 per cent with IT support and 50 per cent with student services.

•

48.2 per cent have been verbally abused and 44.4 per cent harassed in person by parents/ guardians in the current school year.

•

95 per cent said an incident involving violent behaviour from students had happened at their school at least once a term.

•

32.8 per cent said they had not been offered professional learning on the SCASA curriculum support materials.

81.76 per cent said there was teacher shortage at their school. •

87.4 per cent said this had impacted staff morale.

•

79.5 per cent said it had impacted student behaviour.

•

81 per cent had seen a loss of DOTT time.

•

19.6 per cent said ATAR course offerings had been reduced.

•

27.5 per cent said secondary specialist course offerings had been reduced.

•

66.9 per cent said secondary teachers were instructing our of area.

•

71.6 per cent said teachers not fully qualified were being used.

•

83.4 per cent said shortages had increased their workload.

Impact on teaching responsibilities included: •

59.4 per cent increased disruptions/distractions.

•

60.3 per cent had less time to focus on individual students.

•

66.4 per cent had seen negative changes in student behaviours.

•

31.3 per cent were teaching out of their area of expertise.

87.5 per cent said smaller class sizes would benefit them and their students. •

78.3 per cent said there would be better learning outcomes.

•

82.5 per cent said there would be improved classroom behaviour.

•

92.4 per cent said there would be more time for individual students.

Key issues in regional areas according to school leaders are: •

Staff turnover.

•

Lack of opportunity to transfer to metro area.

•

Teacher shortages.

•

Shortage of specialist teachers.

•

Cost, condition or lack of GROH housing.

•

Violence in the community.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference Enterprise bargaining formally commenced and is currently scheduled until the end of April 2024, pending government offers. The Principals’ Federation of WA (PFWA) presented their Log of Claims first as is protocol and to date the SSTUWA is still delivering our Log of Claims. During the system alliance meeting of 21 September the DoE verbally delivered a proposed policy which had not received consultation titled Principal deployment into non-schools roles. This will particularly impact the collegiate principal initiative. The justification for the policy was from the perspective of school communities frustrated by acting principals in their school communities. Senior officers are considering this policy through the prism of notification of change and also for the impact the policy direction may have upon capacity building within public education as well as specific initiatives such as collegiate principals, which was a hard fought for win in the EBA 2021. The frustration of acting school leadership positions has been an element of the public school system since it was devolved, but is routinely highlighted when shortages are occurring. DoE system leaders are still considering the policy.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

SC.13 TAFE report Implementation of the General Agreement TAFE 2021 Since registering the agreement in December 2021, the union has been implementing the new agreement in many areas including: •

Workload management – a new clause, which established a process, including the formation of a panel to consider workload concerns, is being implemented with members beginning to use the provisions of this clause.

•

Long service leave – some members have begun to receive their calculations for past LSL accrued as a casual. However, members are raising concerns about the calculations and the union is in the process of negotiating fairer formulae.

•

Advanced Industry Lecturer (AIL) classifications – guidelines for the classification were agreed through STERC and colleges have since awarded 50 lecturers with the new classification. Feedback from selection panels has indicated that overwhelmingly applicants demonstrated outstanding industry engagement. Feedback from members has indicated that the agreed guidelines were useful when writing applications. In addition, the union has been implementing the following items, that were negotiated outside of the formal agreement:

•

Agreed timetabling principles – these principles have been agreed between the parties and are being implemented at college level. Reports from branches indicate that consultation around timetabling is improving but not consistently and not in all study areas.

•

Head of Programs JDF – a commitment to review the JDF is still being progressed through STERC with the employer parties currently reviewing a draft developed at North Metropolitan TAFE.

•

Development work and scoping funding – $3.8 million has been allocated to this initiative and the funds have been distributed to colleges who must account for expenditure separately to usual funding. Our members who were able to access these funds have indicated that the time off teaching greatly assisted in managing their workload, and producing quality outcomes, but that more funding is needed and on an ongoing basis.

•

Return to industry program – implementing the return to industry program to ensure that lecturers are receiving time off teaching to attend workplaces in community and industry rather

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 than having to do this work on top of a teaching load. Some lecturers have reported difficulty in gaining relief given staff shortages. •

Tertiary teaching qualifications pilot – this matter is being progressed with a framework almost agreed to. $1 million was allocated to the initiative to support lecturers who wish to undertake a tertiary teaching qualification.

•

Overtime guidance note – the development of this guidance note complete and it has been distributed to college managers and lecturers. The union will monitor its implementation, particularly at the end of the semester when overtime for lecturers working under averaging arrangements will be processed.

Workload TAFE Committee has continued to implement the on-going TAFE workload reduction campaign. Now the new Agreement has been registered, the new workload provisions and the workload dispute panels at each college, will become the focus of the campaign, with delegates being trained in the process in September.

Permanency The union continues to support members through conversion processes with all colleges to undertake yearly reviews. North Metropolitan TAFE continues to support some conversations outside the review process.

STERC The focus for STERC has been on implementing the 2021 Agreement and other negotiated outcomes. Other issues dealt with by STERC have included: TAFE digital roadmap project, teaching qualification pilot program parameters, duty of care WHS training being inadequate, 160 hours for Certificate IV process, mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, approved qualification MOU formatting to make list more accessible and to make preferred qualifications and advice clearer, AEDM training timeframes given new Commissioner’s Instruction no 40, CAVSS/USIQ review, SEE program changes nationally, process to facilitate ongoing reviews of part-time fractions, culture around the offering of contracts for casuals whose work is expected to go beyond six weeks, processes for offering additional work to current employees, review of funding model, lack of funding for coordination of student placements, return to industry program, the use of course custodians positions, and the use of the fixed term contract mode of employment.

Joint Consultative Committees Each TAFE college has a JCC where the union, delegates and management meet to resolve issues, discuss government policy that impacts on TAFE and any other matters the delegates wish to raise. Key issues addressed through the JCCs have been: restructuring processes, enrolment process reviews, calculations for online delivery and visiting students during work-placement, accessing counselling services and statistics, changes to college policies, mandatory reporting, above base grade processes, workload issues, unattached employees (internal redeployment), ICT issues, climate surveys, return to industry programs, use and review of CAVSS and USIQ programs, payments for professional development and compulsory modules for casual lecturers, TAFE digital roadmap project, Collie transition, foundation skills course offerings, staffing levels, attraction and retention issues and vacant technician positions, Re-registration audits – With all five colleges undergoing re-registration audits in recent months, the planning, workload, and outcome of this process, have also been discussed at the JCC meetings. While some of the $3.8 million negotiated during the last round of bargaining was used to support lecturers in this process to reduce workload, a lot of the work had already been done by the time the money was released by government. Further, the money is only sufficient to cover a small proportion of the unit development work undertaken by our members each year. All colleges performed well during the audits.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

Membership North Metropolitan TAFE has been the focus for visits in Term 3, 2023. Branch members continue to be connected to decision making through their TAFE Committee representatives, helping to facilitate engagement, activism, recruitment, and retention of members at the branch level.

National TAFE and AEU matters Funding The release of Working Future, the government’s white paper on jobs and opportunities, has identified some interesting commitments but the paper lacks detail on what is actually going to be delivered and how. Details of how the additional $42 million of investment will be spent is likely to be discussed during negotiations between the federal minister, and state and territory governments, for the National Skills Agreement due to be implemented in January 2024. The federal government has indicated that it intends to reform the VET sector with TAFE at its centre. Mention has been made of funding centres of excellence that will aim ensure collaboration between universities and TAFE colleges but will also offer a greater number of higher skill qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships. No detail is available regarding the location of these centres, their industry areas, or what it meant by higher skill qualifications and degree apprenticeships. The government also plans to establish a new integrity unit within the national VET regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Funding of $37.8 million has been set aside to ensure the unit is able to respond to unethical and illegal activities. The fallout from the last introduction of a crackdown on dodgy for-profit providers caused a huge administrative and compliance documentation regime in TAFE that has seen the workloads of lecturers become totally unmanageable. Whilst we acknowledge and welcome the current government’s commitment to allocating additional funding to TAFE, we have concerns of the potential impact on TAFE lecturers and staff until details are released.

National TAFE Day WA TAFE representatives attended a Canberra lobbying event and launch of a national TAFE photo competition in September. Both activities were highly successful with the photo competition providing very positive images and stories about TAFE and students, events and activities provided a wonderful opportunity to network with delegates from other states and territories, and discussion with members of parliament were reported as being very positive.

PWC, consultancy in the training sector, and training package development PWC develop at least eight training packages across TAFE and are involved in consultancy around broader issues in the sector. PWC is undertaking a review of the training system despite their vested interest. TAFE members have consistently raised issues about the outcomes of training package redevelopment, for example, reports from members have indicated that the BSB training package created by PWC may not have allowed adequate time for consultation and feedback, that some units were not written by industry area experts, and units are missing essential elements. The use of consultancy agencies in the TAFE/VET sector has been discussed at the AEU to get support to review the status of training packages and private consultancy control of the process. The Federal Minister is aware of problems with training packages broadly and addressed the national TAFE AGM on the matter. A return to curriculum is being pushed by many in the sector, rather than competency-based training. There is a need to have lecturers and industry experts return to developing training packages and curriculum.

Recommendations: 1.

That the chair of the TAFE Committee report.

That the report be received.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

SC.14 General Agreement TAFE 2023 report The union served the TAFE Log of Claims on all five employer parties (TAFE colleges) and the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) on 7 August 2023. Negotiations commenced on 30 August and have continued fortnightly since then. The focus during negotiations has been to explain and elaborate on the claims.

Recommendations: 1.

That the chair of TAFE Committee report.

That the report be received.

SC.15 School leaders report According to the 2023 SSTUWA State of our Schools Survey, school leaders overwhelmingly said they were burnt out from workload. For those school leaders* who participated in the survey, 40 per cent indicated they were working over 40 hours a week, 37 per cent were working over 50 hours a week and almost 16 per cent were working more than 60 hours a week. Over 20 per cent of principals were working more than 60 hours per week and 39 per cent more than 50 hours per week. The teacher shortage is impacting on school leaders also, with 44 per cent having to teach more hours than timetabled in the classroom due to shortages, while 58.2 per cent of principals are having to teach regularly in classrooms. Fifty-eight per cent of school leaders reported their school was inadequately staffed, with 60 per cent stating there were shortages of specialist teachers. Abuse and violence in our schools continue, with 48 per cent of both school leaders and principals stating they had been verbally abused by parents or guardians in the current school year. These are alarming statistics indeed and with more than half of school leaders and principals surveyed saying they had concerns about their personal health and wellbeing, the system is truly at a crisis point. *For survey purposes, school leaders were defined as deputy/associate principals, heads of department, heads of learning area and program coordinators.

SSTUWA Log of Claims In conjunction with other claims that pertain to all employees covered by the Agreement, there are several claims specifically designed for leaders within the SSTUWA Log of Claims. These include: •

Level 3 principal admin time.

•

Compliance reduction.

•

Collegiate principals.

•

Part-time principals.

•

Facilities management.

•

Level 3 principal classification.

•

School classification.

•

Allowances.

•

Professional learning.

•

School leader performance management.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference •

HOLA administrative time.

•

Level 3 classroom teacher time.

Central to this Log of Claims are a bid to address class sizes across both primary and secondary schools and the need for urgent action to address issues of recruitment and retention, red tape, workload and violence in schools.

School Leader Committee and School Leader Reference Group During 2023, members of the School Leader Committee and Reference Group have met on a termly basis. Members of these groups provided input into the Log of Claims and review into public education, discussed matters including the Principal Performance Review and Minister’s 10-point plan and participated in consultation groups centred around red tape, workload and pathways to post school success. Members of these groups are thanked for their commitment and contribution. Their input has helped to shape the direction of the SSTUWA for school leaders and to ensure their voices are heard when responding to system initiatives.

Workplace health and safety – Professional learning for school leaders In response to a recommendation from the SSTUWA School Leaders Reference Group, a bespoke workplace health and safety (WHS) professional learning for leaders was created. This two-day professional learning opportunity was designed to expand school leader knowledge around the new documents and legislation in the WHS space. Held in September, this course was specifically developed to support school leaders to become familiar with the key components of the new Act, assisting them in the successful management of WHS at the school-level.

HALT initiative In 2012, all education ministers agreed to a national process to certify teachers at the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) career stages of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, endorsing the Certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers in Australia policy document (national certification policy). Since 2012, attempts have been made to align our current industrial career path, Level 3 Classroom Teacher (L3CT) with the AITSL categories of Highly Accomplished and/or Lead Teacher. As L3CT is unique to WA, attempts at a simple alignment have been unsuccessful. However, at the December 2022 education ministers meeting, AITSL proposed options for ministers’ consideration to streamline the process of HALT. Ministers gave in principle agreement for the development of a new national certification framework to replace the current national certification policy and in 2023, the AITSL Framework for the Certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers document was released. As a consequence of these changes, the Department of Education is initiating a two-year HALT trial. These HALT positions, advertised as Program Coordinator – Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT), are offering teachers instructional leadership roles from which existing L3CT or HALTs from other jurisdictions can apply. Eight schools have been offered the opportunity to participate in the trial as soon as they are ready with an additional 12 schools to be added to the trial during 2024. It is to be noted that schools participating in the trial are regional schools.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

SC.16 Women's report Status of Women Report Card Although there has been significant progress towards gender equality, women continue to experience barriers and inequalities in the home, workplace and the community. The Status of Women Report Card is released by the Australian government annually on International Women’s Day. This report card provides a picture of what life looks like for women in Australia in 2023. Some of the key findings were: •

Australia has the fourth highest level of tertiary educated women in the OECD.

•

59.9 per cent of women over the age of 15 are employed.

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28.4 per cent live in regional or remote Australia.

•

29.4 per cent are under the age of 25.

•

18.0 per cent are 65 and over.

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4.6 per cent identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

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62 per cent of social housing tenants are women.

•

Family and domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women.

•

The fastest growing group of people experiencing homelessness is women over the age of 55.

•

Women approaching retirement have 23.1 per cent less superannuation than men of the same age.

•

Women’s earnings fall by 55 per cent in the first five years of parenthood, while men’s stay the same.

•

One in two women have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.

•

One woman is killed by an intimate partner every 10 days.

•

In the last 10 years, there has been a three-fold increase in intentional self-harm hospitalisations for young girls.

A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA.

AEU Federal Women’s Conference AEU women have a proud history of building strong union structures and cultures for women. The AEU has led the struggle for women’s rights at work by winning industrial entitlements that support women’s care and cultural obligations. When AEU women come together, we are a powerful force for change. This year, the AEU Federal Women’s Conference was held in Canberra on Monday - Tuesday, 4 -5 September. This conference welcomed women from across the country with the SSTUWA branch sending a delegation of seven women. On day one of the conference, delegates heard from Kristine Ziwica, a Melbourne based journalist; Rachel Bos, ACTU First Nations organiser; Edie Shepherd and Emma Lowe, AEU Federal women’s officer. It was a very engaging day with women delegates provided with time to practice and refine their stories in preparation for day two – Lobbying for Change. Day two afforded delegates with the unique opportunity to spend the day at Parliament House. The WA delegation met with Zaneta Mascarenhas – member for Swan, Tania Lawrence – member for Hasluck and Tracey Roberts – member for Pearce. Our visits were well planned and organised with each delegate given time to share their stories about public education.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference Our aim was to secure a commitment to public education and to properly fund our schools. We had a simple ask, “Will you stand up for public education and commit to funding 100 per cent of the SRS for all our public schools?” Not only did our amazing delegates secure a commitment from each MP visited, but each one agreed to a photo holding the AEU funding booklet – Investing in Australia’s Future. An amazing effort indeed.

SSTUWA Women’s Conference At the time of writing this report, over 80 women were registered to attend 2023 Women’s Conference: Strong Women, Strong Voices. This is an opportunity for women educators to share, connect, learn and be inspired by each other. The opening and closing keynote speakers demonstrate how a strong voice can command attention, show confidence and inspire others to follow. Powerful workshop opportunities will help to refine skills and abilities for women to stand up for themselves, find their voice and know that what they feel is worth sharing. This year’s annual event is shaping up to be an outstanding one.

Period products in school Schools that have secondary students now have access to period products at no cost to the school or students. Period products are a fundamental health necessity and access to products in schools is designed to keep girls and young women engaged in their learning. Cost and associated stigma should not be a barrier to learning and no Western Australian female student should be denied an education due to period poverty. Students at all Western Australian TAFE colleges now also have access to free period products after the expansion on the government’s commitment to public schools. The initiative was rolled out this year at the five Western Australian TAFE colleges: North Metropolitan TAFE, South Metropolitan TAFE, Central Regional TAFE, North Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE. While products were already available to students at some TAFE campuses, the program was extended to include all campuses state-wide.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

SC.17 Climate Action report Sustainability in schools There are currently 420 schools formally registered with the Sustainable Schools WA initiative. This initiative encourages schools to take on a whole-school approach to education when embedding sustainability in the curriculum. There are approximately another 80-90 schools actively engaged with the initiative. $44.6 million Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund was created by the state government to provide clean energy solutions for Western Australian public schools over four years. This includes solar panels and other energy saving energy saving measures into schools over the next four years. In round one, all 84 schools that applied for solar panels received funding to have them installed by the end of June 2023. In round two, schools that had partial panels apply. This was an additional 96 schools (60 metropolitan and 36 regional) receiving funding. Schools are saving around 27 per cent on overall costs per annum as a result. Round three was announced in March for further schools to apply.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

Making Hope Practical In 2021, SSTUWA contributed to the inquiry led by the Education and Health Standing committee into the impact of climate change on West Australian schools. With over 60 submissions received, the committee released its final report, entitled Making Hope Practical with 24 recommendations presented to the state government. SSTUWA wrote to the Minister of Education at the time (Minister Ellery) advocating for all 24 recommendations from the report be endorsed to support our children and young people whose futures are most at risk. In our correspondence, SSTUWA acknowledged the Department of Education’s Sustainable Schools WA initiatives and Caring for Country Together framework. We received correspondence from the new Education Minister Dr. Tony Buti; it is important to note that the government’s decisions related to this report were made before Minister’s Buti’s appointment. In his letter, Dr Buti supported the intent of the Making Hope Practical report to move towards a more sustainable future for our students and schools. Unfortunately, the state government’s response to the report’s 24 recommendations supported only six of the recommendations, 13 were noted and five were not supported. Minister Buti outlined that there would be alternative approaches. We are waiting for further actions from this report and have been in contact with the Department of Education’s Sustainability unit several times this year. In particular, we provided feedback on the creation of a Sustainability Coordinator job description. Please find the government response to Making Hope Practical at sstuwa.org.au/statecouncil

Climate Action Working Party This year saw the implementation of the union’s Climate Action Working Party. There was interest generated on the floor of June 2022 State Council, with 21 delegates signing up to receive further information regarding climate action. Currently all members who applied to be on this committee are from schools, we hope to get more interest from TAFE next year. Key input from the committee includes adding natural disaster leave into the current school’s log of claims, providing ideas around the Sustainability Coordinator job description and promoting our Climate Action forum for schools and TAFE. Unfortunately, the forum had to be cancelled due to low numbers. We hope to revise our forum for 2024.

Reducing SSTUWA’s carbon footprint June 2022 State Council endorsed the following recommendation: That the SSTUWA in managing the operations of the organisation, continue to identify and apply sustainability practices including for infrastructure, communications and maintenance. As an organisation, the SSTUWA continues to reduce its environmental footprint in line with the union’s ESG responsibilities. Western Teacher magazine is printed on recyclable paper using a Perth based company, thus reducing our transportation mileage. Over the years, we have seen an increase in our membership receiving a digital version of the magazine. The mailing wrap on the print version is now fully compostable – we are one of the first in WA to make this move. We no longer produce plastic membership cards, with online versions of the cards now being available. These e-cards can also be added to your phone wallet. The SSTUWA app provides our members with key industrial and professional information, including tax statements, training and safety information. This has also led to a decline in the number of letters, printouts and Agreements currently being printed. SSTUWA is transitioning to a hybrid model of cars to reduce emissions when we are visiting TAFE and schools. Our solar panels at the West Perth office continues to alleviate our fossil fuel consumption. State Council agenda and resources are distributed digitally, with delegates encouraged to bring their own devices or if needed to collect an agenda on the day.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

Saturday 11 November 2023 Session 4

12.45pm – 4pm

12.45pm – 1pm

Re-registration

1pm – 4pm

State Council reports and motions SC.18

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander report and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Scholarship report Lynette Virgona Scholarship report Country matters report Work health and safety report Branch motion from Seaforth Primary School Branch Branch motion from Coodanup College Branch District Council motion from Stirling (Albany) District Council

SC.19 SC.20 SC.21 SC.22 SC.23 SC.24

AEU WA Branch Council agenda AEUBC01/23 AEUBC02/23 AEUBC03/23 AEUBC04/23 AEUBC05/23

AEU WA Branch Council report AEU NSRA report AEU WA district structure report AEU WA rule amendments Decisions from the SSTUWA November 2023 State Council

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

SC.18 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander report and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Scholarship report Voice to Parliament The SSTUWA is proud to have stood by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee and members when invited to walk in enshrining an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to parliament and a Makarrata commission of treaty and truth telling. “We ask our members within the SSTUWA to walk with us and as educators, we are informed and accept the invitation that is at the heart of the Uluru Statement that specifically calls for a voice enshrined in the Australian Constitution. This request has come after decades of activism by our people who have fought for a fair go and say in our own communities and in our own affairs.” We are saddened and extremely disappointed by the outcome, but it will not stop us as a union standing in solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander union members, community, friends and family. We will continue to listen to their voices that matter and provide collective activism when needed.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee SSTUWA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee provided input in the 2023 Schools Log of Claims: An additional 15 days be made available for any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employee covered by this Agreement who are on the Native Title Claims Committee. The 15 days will include travel to and from the meetings. The committee’s priorities have included looking at the Department of Education’s Cultural Standards Framework. It was noted that there was a lack of priority and adherence given to the framework and that there was little accountability at a system level for the mandated document’s implementation. The committee welcomed the formation of the Department of Education’s Aboriginal Advisory Body (AAB) with hope that this external body would provide advice on culturally responsive education matters which included the wellbeing, engagement, and achievement of Aboriginal students in Western Australia’s public education system. The committee, however, was concerned that Department of Education employees were ineligible to apply for the AAB. The main concern raised was the complexities of issues in our educational settings may not be fully comprehended, and the scope of problems may be narrowed without an Aboriginal education employee voice on the AAB. The SSTUWA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee was open to assist the AAB where necessary. This was shared formally with the Director General. In her response, the Director General outlined that the AAB would be an independent Aboriginal voice to the Department and the Minister for Education, with the intention of representing external community voices at a systemlevel. The AAB’s system-level Aboriginal advisory mechanism would strengthen the Department of Education’s relationship and shared decision-making with Aboriginal people and deliver on the key commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the State Government Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy. The AAB would be a strategic and cultural advisory body on public education services.

Scholarships Last year the SSTUWA established an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Scholarship, to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SSTUWA members to take up training or professional development opportunities to further develop their career in education. The expressions of interest were advertised in Term 3 and on all our media platforms. Nominations for the Reconciliation in Action Award closed on 23 October. This award honours champions of Reconciliation from our membership and school communities. Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

That the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Scholarship recipient, Susanne Bowles, be acknowledged and formally presented with this scholarship.

SC.19 Lynette Virgona Scholarship report The Lynette Virgona scholarship was established in 2013 in honour of Lynette Virgona; Executive member, State Council delegate, District Council delegate, WACOT Board member and long-standing unionist, who passed away on International Women’s Day 2013, after a courageous fight against cancer. A hugely principled, passionate and politically aware woman, she was able to articulate her points in a manner that focused on the issue not the individual. Lynette was trained as a teacher consultant under the Behaviour Management and Discipline (BMAD) project which evolved into the CMS program. Originally conceived in 1997, the project further developed into an initiative between the SSTUWA and the Department of Education in 2002 and was embedded in the schools EBA from 2006. The program has delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars to public schools in WA to provide training and PD, resources, programs, extra teachers and teacher consultants focused on supporting teachers to manage students’ engagement in the classroom and countering behavioural issues. In recognition of Lynette’s long-standing commitment to this program, the SSTUWA established this scholarship to assist a union member in training or professional development of their own skills and abilities in the areas of student behaviour and or/instructional strategies.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

That the recipient, Andrea Mackenzie, be acknowledged and formally presented with this scholarship.

SC.20 Country matters report A re-established GROH forum was held on 21 September between the SSTUWA, Department of Communities (DoC) and the Department of Education with a representative from Government Sector Labour Relations also in attendance. These meetings had previously been routine until the DoC opted to withdraw, citing frustration in the manner in which they were being treated by representatives from a different organisation that is no longer present in this forum. The agreed focus of discussion was the safety of government employees, maintenance standards and response times, stock supply and management and critical regional areas. The GROH forum is a consequence of Western Australian Labor Advisory Committee decision-making. The SSTUWA intends to utilise these quarterly meetings to advocate for member issues as they arise and to be part of long-term decision-making seeking a collaborative solution to the state-wide GROH challenges faced by members. This time a year ago the SSTUWA was informed we would be invited to contribute to a review of GROH to be coordinated by the Minister’s office; this review is still to occur. The SSTUWA is seeking clarification through the GROH forum mentioned above as to its status and if the review is no longer occurring, what the government’s long-term intentions are to support teachers and school leaders across regional WA. The current staffing crisis in regional schools is highlighted by a staffing instruction sent across the system on 13 October from central office. Whilst these instructions may have other intentions, the

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 main point was aimed at preventing country schools being further under-staffed by the current teacher shortage by urging metropolitan schools, who are also struggling to fill even the most necessary of positions, to release teachers to country positions. It is anecdotally understood the Department of Education needs approximately 700 extra secondary teachers for regional WA alone for the start of 2024.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

SC.21 Work health and safety report Health and safety representative (HSR) training During 2023 we have run five five-day DoE education-specific HSR courses with a further two scheduled for Term 4. The courses have been heavily subscribed with HSRs with most courses being full and the ETC having to run waitlists. We will have trained 160 new HSRs by the end of 2023. We will have run three one–day refresher courses for HSRs by the end of the year with 35 HSRs attending. HSRs are entitled to one–day refresher training in their second and third year of their elected terms – remember under the WHS Act they are now elected for three years. The SSTUWA ran a school leader WHS two–day course late in Term 3. We had 18 school leaders attend. The feedback from the participants was they found the course very helpful and informative. We intend to schedule this course again in 2024. UnionsWA held an HSR conference on 23 October which provided the opportunity for SSTUWA HSRs from schools and TAFE to attend and focused on psychosocial hazards.

Number of HSRs currently elected (approx) As of the provision of the last HSR list for the first six months of 2023 by DoE to the SSTUWA under the General Agreement there are currently approximately 671 HSRs elected in public schools – a considerable improvement on the figure reported in this report last year, at 440. The WHS Act has achieved one goal within DoE – more elected HSRs at our worksites.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, 2020, WA and Work Health Safety Regulations (General), 2022 Operation of the WHS Act/WHS Regulations The WHS Act has been operating with our schools for just over 18 months. As stated above the representation of workers regarding WHS has significantly increased by the growth in number of HSRs.

Psychosocial regulations and mental health The WHS General Regulations were amended at the end of 2022 to include specific regulations regarding psychosocial hazards – Division 11, by the state government. It is very clear that due to increased workload demands, teacher shortage impacts, impacts of workplace violence and aggression and other associated risks within schools that many of our members are experiencing impact upon their mental health as evidenced in the 2023 State of our Schools survey. The recent Staff Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Principal Health and Wellbeing Strategy offers little in this space to manage such risk.

WHS Act in schools and TAFE

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference The SSTUWA has assisted many branches and members in managing various WHS issues through various provisions contained in the WHS Act and WHS General Regulations: •

Workplace violence and aggression from students to ensure effective consultation and appropriate risk assessment undertaken for a specific workplace violence and aggression (WVA) matter.

•

Ongoing advice and support for our members through member reports from our violence campaign in response to WVA exhibited by students in various cases.

•

WVA from members of the public and seeking effective controls to ensure the safety of our members.

•

Mental health impacts of extended and prolonged building programs and workload impacts of such programs.

•

Being pro-active in assisting our design and technology (D&T) members to implement DoE safety training for students and helping to manage the impact of this workload.

•

Assisting schools experiencing biological hazards from animal urine and excrement.

We have been actively involved in several HSR work group negotiations and election processes at several school sites.

Workers Compensation and Injury Management Bill, WA – update The bill is currently progressing through state Parliament and WorkCover are aiming for it to become law on 1 July 2024. There will be transitional period whilst the new legislation comes into effect. Information from the state government website: The Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Bill 2023 is a complete rewrite of the workers’ compensation legislation and implements some important improvements such as: •

Doubling the medical and health expenses cap and extending the point at which workers’ weekly compensation payments step down from 13 to 26 weeks – both 2021 election commitments which will see injured workers receive an appropriate level of financial support for medical expenses and loss of income.

•

Covering workers catastrophically injured in workplace accidents under the Catastrophic Injuries Support Scheme on the same footing as any person catastrophically injured from a motor vehicle accident.

•

Implementing the balance of WorkCover WA’s 2014 legislative review report recommendations, building on priority amendments implemented in 2018 and 2020.

The bill is the culmination of an extensive review and consultation process dating back to WorkCover WA’s legislative review in 2009. This review recommended redrafting of the Act, and the 171 recommendations contained in WorkCover WA’s 2014 Review of the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981: Final Report.

DoE WHS initiatives Relevant DoE health and safety policy and procedures WHS Policy and Procedures

The new policy and procedures documents that were redrafted based on the WHS Act have been operating for approximately 18 months. The SSTUWA has been successful in seeking that relevant WA Codes of Practice are included as hyperlinks within the documents.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023

DoE Bullying Policy and Procedures

This policy is still being developed and is due to go out for final consultation in the future. The SSTUWA has actively been consulted on preliminary drafts and our feedback was that the policy and relevant procedures must come from a WHS perspective and a clearly defined definition of bullying that all stakeholders understand. We strongly advocated that relevant Codes of Practice are referenced and listed in the documentation.

Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Removal Program in WA public schools

This program is still operating and the SSTUWA attends as many ACM consultation meetings as possible to ensure that the specific school and contractors comply with the DoE ACM management plan. There have been incidents of accidental ACM exposure to contractors and school staff. The advice provided by the SSTUWA in these cases is: Schools that have been built before 2004 that any maintenance or installation of infrastructure, ensure that the school’s ACM register is viewed by the contractors before work begins; if the belief is the material that is being disturbed looks like ACM then to assume it is ACM and have the material ideally tested before work starts to minimise the risk of exposure to the cancerous material. Remember the HSR can direct unsafe work to cease if they are fully trained under Section 85 of WHS Act.

DoE WHS training DoE WHS team ran their own HSR conference at Crown on 17 August and the SSTUWA WHS organiser presented KOWS to participants in two workshops. They have also delivered design and technology risk management training for D&T staff during Term 4 last year across the state.

No to Violence Working Group The WHS organiser is representing SSTUWA members on this DoE working group. The group drafted a report and recommendations for DoE to implement. Various stakeholders on the working group gave considerable constructive feedback and we are waiting for these to be added/amended to the report.

TAFE Within TAFE we have been actively involved at one campus with the work group negotiation and election process of HSRs. We have raised awareness to lecturers of the WHS Act and their duties as workers under Section 28 regarding their responsibilities to students. We have sought to ensure one of the colleges meets its obligations regarding psychosocial matters at one campus in response to member action over being exposed to a psychosocial hazard. The WHS organiser continues to provide advice and support where necessary within TAFE to assist our members resolve WHS matters.

Recommendations 1.

That a senior office report.

That the report be received.

As an action of the Violence: Report It campaign that the key action of our members is to continue to report incidents of workplace violence and aggression to the union and the employer to enable the SSTUWA to have effective data regarding this workplace hazard and associated risk.

The WHS organiser communicate the following to SSTUWA union reps and SSTUWA HSRs: Ensure that your school is aware of the risk associated with potential infrastructure and/or maintenance work by school staff and/or contractors in regard to ACM within schools and report to DoE and the SSTUWA if they are aware of any potential incidents at their worksite so that the SSTUWA can assist and alert DoE to improve management of such matters.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

State Council Conference

SC.22 Branch motion from Seaforth Primary School Branch When internal relief is required, teachers must be reallocated their DOTT within a two-week turnaround. If this does not occur, the teacher can choose to be paid Internal Relief rates in line with Schedule A – Salaries of the General Agreement. The teacher can also choose to be paid Internal Relief rates instead of being reallocated DOTT at all. Background: This motion related to Clause 25 (Internal Relief). Nothing in this Clause currently empowers teachers with the choice of how missed DOTT time is repaid to them. It is acknowledged that Internal Relief is inevitable due to staff absences and teacher shortages. Teachers often accumulate several missed DOTT sessions across a term, reducing the quality of student learning and increasing teachers stress levels. Administrators sometimes wait for an opportunity for a relief teacher to release teachers who are owed DOTT; however, this can occur weeks, even months, afterwards. They can also pay Internal Relief rates to these teachers who may actually have wanted to be released for their missed DOTT time, as they do not want to use more of their personal time. The purpose of this motion is to provide teachers, in a timely manner, with the choice between DOTT payback and Internal Relief Rate.

Seaforth Primary School Branch

SC.23 Branch motion from Coodanup College Branch This branch notes that the Long Service Leave agreement with the Department of Education starts after a 10 year period, which is longer than other industries. We would like the leave initial period to be adjusted from 10 years to 7 years. This brings us in line with our contemporaries in the service industry, would contribute to mental wellbeing and potentially retain more staff. Background: The vote was done via an online survey as all members could not be present at a single meeting. There were 25 yes votes and zero no votes.

Coodanup College Branch

SC.24 District Council motion from Stirling (Albany) District Council That the union negotiate the replacement of the current “medical diagnosis” model of funding for students with additional needs, with a fairer and more timely model of needs-based funding. Background Information: Currently the Department of Education funds students with additional needs using a medical-based model. Under this model, students need to have a medical diagnosis of a condition to receive funding. •

Not all conditions are funded. Two examples of conditions that receive no funding are ADHD and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Students with these conditions may, in some cases, require significant amounts of additional support from schools to be able to function on an equal footing with other students, however there is no funding category for these conditions.

•

The difficulty with a medical diagnosis funding model is that medical conditions do not usually lapse during a week. However, funding received by mainstream schools is usually at a level that students remain unsupported for a period of time during the week, even if they have a profound need and cannot function without support, I believe that a fairer system would be to fund students according to their needs, so they are supported to function on an even footing in a mainstream school, just as some other states do (such as Qld and Tasmania). An example of this is the student recently enrolled from another state. He was assessed on a needs basis in his home state and received funding under two categories (Trauma and

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

10-11 November 2023 Imputed Disability). The financial support provided for him fully covered his attendance time because it was determined in his needs assessment that he could not engage safely in education without support. However, in our system, he qualifies for no funding at all because he doesn’t have a medical diagnosis. The following points may be relevant: •

Often the Health system is unable to provide diagnostic guidance in a timeframe that allows a student to receive necessary school support in a timely fashion. This results in a student’s learning trajectory being altered and they have to learn without the support to be a successful learner. I notice that there are very few diagnoses within a time for students to be considered for early intervention programs.

•

The point above is especially relevant to the most vulnerable in our student population who are financially unable to access private clinicians or need support to navigate the complex health system. For example, some of our parents do not have the literacy skills to understand Health Department communication.

•

Sometimes a student with a medical condition/diagnosis needs significant additional support.

Stirling (Albany) District Council

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

Australian Education Union (WA Branch) | The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A.

AEU WA Branch Council Saturday 11 November 2023

Agenda The WA Teachers’ Journal – an official publication of The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. / AEU (WA Branch)

AEU WA Branch Council

Contents 2023 AEU WA Branch Council delegation.............................................................................................................................................75 AEUBC01/23

AEU WA Branch Council report.............................................................................................................................77

AEUBC02/23

AEU NSRA report...............................................................................................................................................................81

AEUBC03/23

AEU WA district structure report......................................................................................................................... 82

AEUBC04/23

AEU WA Branch rule amendments................................................................................................................... 84

AEUBC05/23

Decisions from the SSTUWA November 2023 State Council Conference............................. 85

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

11 November 2023

2023 AEU WA Branch Council delegation Senior officers Matt Jarman President

Natalie Blewitt Senior Vice President

Sharmila Nagar Vice President

Mary Franklyn General Secretary

Tom James Matt Jarman Marie Klein Jan Lau Kathryn Mannion

Sharmila Nagar Heather Riseberry Lincoln Rose Samantha Schofield

Stacey Scorer Anne Tumak Sharon Vertigan Pauline Winrow

Executive Bruce Banyard Natalie Blewitt Donna Bridge Kate Bunney Geoff Holt

District delegates District 1: Belmont

District 5: Goldfields

David Bravos Nike Browning Jason Lowry Justine Moorman Jacqueline Varris

Marvi Islam Geoffrey MacNicol Nicola Rose Joanna Stuart Jo-Anne Talbot Heather Van Den Rydt

Entitlement – 7

District 2: Bunbury Entitlement – 9

Zachary Armstrong Craig Bourne Renee Chapple James Keillor Nghia Nguyen Paul Reynolds Natasha Schmitt Ashleigh Webb

District 3: Butler Entitlement – 9 Wesley Buzza Sarah Dinan Kristie Williams

District 4: Fremantle Entitlement – 8 Anthony Daley Jade Elvin Geoffrey Miller Alexander Robins

Entitlement – 7

District 6: Hillarys Entitlement – 11

Melinda Carr Michelle Kingsbury Louise Loosen Samantha Marshall Melanie Moore Michelle Murphy Maurice Palmer Robyn Rochat Esther Rose Sean Vagg

District 7: Jandakot Entitlement – 10 Louise Colliver Anne Gisborne Simon Joachim

District 10: Maylands Entitlement – 7

James Chandler Helene Offer Melissa Peden Carol Salt Heidie Vanzetti Alexander Vatskalis Grace Willshire

District 8: Kalamunda Entitlement – 10 Claire Eden Matthew Highman Brendon Hill Amanda Pettitt Linda Valdrighi Reece Young

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

AEU WA Branch Council

District 11: Moore Entitlement – 9

Entitlement – 14

Kimberley Annear Gary Davies Taree Davies Grant Dodd Jennifer Heath Travis Hooper Renee Skehan Lesley Stace Brenda Wann

District 12: Morley Entitlement – 7

Kay Chadwick Stephanie Hughes

District 13: Murray Entitlement – 8 Lesley Griffiths Teresa Hill Sherie Poepjes Karin Jackson Ruth Watt

Entitlement – 9

District 17: Scarborough

Entitlement – 9

Chloe Bravos Kayla Chester Belinda Hall Brendon Nutt Shwetha Pillay Christopher Spencer Sandra Szopski

District 20: Victoria Park Entitlement – 7 Kyle Griffiths Paul Knapton Dee McLaren Anthony Tran Barbara Van Trigt

Allan Bertram Ramona Carroll Andrew Dawson Cameron Dean Judith Harrison-Ellis Carly Keay

District 18: Stirling

Patricia Burke Peter O'Neill Rick McMahon Salvatore Testa

Entitlement – 7

District 15: Riverton Bradley Carle Rachel Kealley Dillon Mason Jessica Power Linley Stewart

District 19: Swan

Entitlement – 7

District 14: Perth

Entitlement – 9

District 16: Rockingham

Robert Berwick Kenneth Cornwell Rasidah Dobbs Graham Jaeckel Jasmine Porteous

Total number of 2023 State Council delegates: 145 Total number of eligible 2023 State Council delegates: 195 76

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

11 November 2023

AEUBC01/23

AEU WA Branch Council report

National schools funding The Investing in Australia’s Future report was published by the AEU as a significant contribution to the 2023 campaign that is culminating in a few weeks’ time in Canberra. It is the intention of the AEU to lead a convoy of vehicles that will have travelled the entire country to arrive in Canberra during the final sitting week of federal parliament and just before the Expenditure Review Committee makes its final decisions on education funding in the 2024 federal budget. As this report states, WA is short $519 million, with the depreciation allowance of four per cent still being subtracted from the state government contribution. This means WA public schools are receiving 91 per cent of the minimum Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). This equates to a shortfall of approximately $1,800 per student, per year, compared to what they would receive if the funding model was equal at 100 per cent for all students no matter what type of school they were enrolled in. There is no private school in WA in 2023 that is receiving less than 100 per cent of the SRS. The AEU has commissioned Barbara Preston to write two reports using 2021 census data. The first report on the Characteristics of the Australian Teaching Workforce is now complete and will soon be published. The second report on the Characteristics of Australian Public Schools and Students will be published towards the end of 2023.

The referendum – A voice to parliament In 2023 the union movement campaigned for a yes vote in the October Voice referendum. Following active engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and Yalukit Yulendj as their voice in the AEU, the AEU Federal Conference acknowledged this entitlement and accepted an invitation extended in the Uluru Statement of the Heart. Despite the outcome the AEU remains committed to ensuring that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are at the forefront of all decision making and that all preschools, schools, TAFE and workplaces are culturally safe environments. This was reflected through the AEU’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members providing the leadership required for the AEU’s campaign for a yes vote in the referendum. Despite the loss, the AEU was buoyed by the ACTU statistic that 67 per cent of union members voted yes across Australia.

Early childhood education On 19 June the AEU hosted a webinar Early learning matters for children and it matters for AEU members. The webinar aimed to start an important dialogue to advance the campaign for two years of preschool for all children around Australia and to improve accessibility to early childhood education and care services for AEU members. Ninety-six members registered to attend the webinar. Those attending were able to hear about and discuss the implications and opportunities that present themselves through the significant work being undertaking both at a national and state level to transform Australia’s early childhood education and care system. This webinar explored: The importance of two years of preschool for all and how the rollout of three year old kinder/preschool is benefiting children and public schools in Victoria. The webinar concluded with the launch of an online letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling on the federal government to take the following steps: •

Develop a nationally consistent approach guaranteeing two years of free public preschool for every child in Australia.

•

Prioritise public provision of preschool education, including the co-location of early childhood and preschool services on public school sites, particularly in areas identified as “childcare deserts”.

•

Invest in infrastructure to ensure high-quality teaching and learning spaces and access for all.

•

Implement a strong and effective national workforce strategy for the sector.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

AEU WA Branch Council •

In partnership with the states and territories, provide full funding for dedicated public preschool, which is accessible to all children in Australia.

TAFE National TAFE Day was held on Wednesday 6 September 2023. The day consisted of TAFE delegates and observers lobbying at Parliament House in Canberra, followed by an exhibition and announcement of the winner of the inaugural TAFE Photography Competition in the Mural Hall. This event was regarded as highly successful with a WA student receiving a second placed prize. Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor attended and announced the national winner. Following the exhibition, a reception dinner was held nearby. The federal government released Working Future, a government white paper discussing workforce opportunities that may eventuate across the country. The paper requires greater details, such as the intention of a stated $42 million investment. The National Skills Agreement is due to be implemented in January 2024. The AEU welcomed the additional funding for the National Skills Agreement to deliver greater resources for TAFE, including $31 million for six TAFE Centres of Excellence, as announced 26 September, (please see media release at sstuwa.org.au/statecouncil). The SSTUWA is seeking clarification on where these centres will be based, although it may be worth noting the media launch was staged in South Australia. The AEU has long argued against the erosion of TAFE and how this has contributed to the skills shortages across the country. Despite this welcomed announcement the AEU still seeks appropriate investment in and support for the TAFE workforce.

AEU presidents’ study tour, October 2023 Just prior to this tour the following was sadly received from AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe: Teachers’ leader, Mr. Ram Pal Singh Ji, President of the All India Primary Teachers’ Federation, passed on 22 September 2023. Born and raised in the Uttar Pradesh, India, Mr. Ram Pal Singh entered the profession at the age of 21. He joined the teachers’ union in Uttar Pradesh and rose through the ranks to become General Secretary in 1985. He was arrested 10 times for leading agitations in pursuit of better salaries for teachers and quality education for children. In 1993, Mr. Ram Pal Singh ascended to the position of General Secretary of the All India Primary Teachers’ Federation and in 1997 took on the role of President, a position he held unwaveringly until his passing. Mr. Ram Pal Singh Ji served in the Regional Committees and Executive Boards of Education International. He served tirelessly to bring teachers in all countries together in solidarity. At the time of his death, he was Vice Chairperson of the Education International Asia Pacific Regional Committee and a member of the Education International Executive Board. He also served in many government appointed councils shaping education policies. He played a vital role in improving salaries of teachers through Pay Commissions’ recommendations and helped enactment of the “Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act” in India. He was a staunch crusader for trade union and human rights and was always concerned on the impact of any policy on the poor and the vulnerable. Branch leaders from the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australian, Victoria and the AEU leadership spent a few days hosted by the Singaporean Teachers Union (STU) and then four days in Delhi, India to show solidarity to the All India Primary Teachers Federation (AIPTF) as their Yatra, (march), came to consolidation in Delhi. The symbiotic relationship, as described by the STU, between the STU and government was a key focus of the Singaporean leg of the study tour.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

11 November 2023 The Singaporean education system is widely and often favourably referred to for the standards it achieves in students’ achievement and other key measure, however it appeared when these sweeping statements are made in reference to the conditions of Australian teachers, they are vastly incomparable. A significant driver of the Singaporean success is both the multi-tiered support teachers and leaders receive and also the significant amount of time they have during their regular week to plan, often collaboratively, assess, feedback to students and investigate the needs of the curriculum. This is not to say workload pressure and the demand on Singaporean teachers is eased – they too have a long working day and significant demands on their personal time due to workload –it is to say their system values the importance of the teacher to be focused upon teaching and learning. Regular teacher timetables explained and demonstrated to those on the tour saw a similar number of hours worked per week to their Australian counterparts but only around 12-15 hours of face-to-face teaching time per week, with the rest dedicated to planning, assessment and curriculum interrogation. In 1965 the Singaporean education system began a process of becoming nationalised by government, secular division began to break down and ultimately this took about 12 years. The government now spends around $14 billion a year on education, which is approximately 18-19 per cent of the GDP. By comparison Australia spends around 0.8 per cent of GDP on education. Approximately half of the Singaporean expenditure is salaries. The ratio of students to teaching staff continues to reduce as a consequence of both the declining Singaporean birth rate and the government’s ongoing commitment to investing in education. In 2020 this ratio was 14.5 for primary and 11.9 for secondary. Singapore engages exams at key times to guide student choices, although it is not as rigid as it may have been in the past. These include exam checkpoints at ages six, 12 and 15. It was reported that students are strongly supported by dedicated personnel for their mental health, should they be absent from school for concerning periods of time. These staff are attached to most schools, are often not qualified teachers, but trained for these needs.

The school landscape of Singapore is: •

In the primary sector there are special education schools and primary schools. Students then sit a primary school leaving exam which determines their next school option.

•

In the secondary sector the school types are special education, specialised independent, express, normal academic, normal technical, specialised schools or privately funded schools.

Thirty-35 per cent of teachers are in senior roles and exist in one of three professional pathway avenues: teaching, school leadership and senior specialist. Within these three streams titles are known as (listed in hierarchal order): •

Teaching: Principal Master Teacher, Master Teacher, Lead Teacher, Senior Teacher.

•

School leadership: Cluster Superintendent, Principal, Vice Principal, Head of Department / Year Head, Subject Head / Level Head.

•

Senior specialist: Chief Specialist, Senior Principal Specialist / Principal Specialist, Master Specialist, Lead Specialist, Senior Specialist.

Most teachers have been in service for between five and 14 years and between 25 and 39 years of age. The meeting hosted at the STU was joined by a Member of Parliament and a senior public sector union spokesperson where the manner of the union to government relationship was explored along with other local information. This is when the description of symbiotic was regularly used by each party present. As was trust, agreement, compromise and building relationships. When AEU members described the current Australian funding model between private and public schools and the Voice referendum, STU members could be described as being in disbelief. They particularly emphasised their best hopes for a positive outcome to the referendum, no doubt influenced by their own long history of assimilation and cultural respect amongst its citizenry. Like its architecture, Singapore has accepted many influences in its short history but unlike Australia,

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

AEU WA Branch Council funding equity and placing a priority upon education funding is embarrassing when discussed on the international stage. India is a contrast to most other countries. AEU members were expertly hosted from the time of landing until departure by the AIPTF with time permitted to see a little of the best and worst of India to ensure visitors developed a broad appreciation of Indian culture and its people in the little time afforded. Sadly, the backdrop of this visit was against the recent loss of President Mr. Ram Pal Singh Ji, a figure respected across the Education International community as well as across Indian education. AEU delegates wished for and hope for the best for our Indian colleagues as the task of election draws closer. President Ram Pal passed away during campaigning on the 2023 Yatra trail. By comparison to Australia’s 0.8 per cent of GDP towards education spending and Singapore 1819 per cent, India currently contributes 2.9 per cent. The current conservative government has committed alongside the AIPTF to six per cent. The AIPTF is predicting they are 100,000 teachers short of preferred levels. With approximately 100,000 single teacher schools around the country, they will be forced to close when they cannot locate a teacher or a teacher is unable to attend. The 2023 Yatra is a campaign seeking the reinstatement of the old pension scheme for teachers. This was removed in 2014 without warning. Currently Indian teachers have 10 per cent of their pay deducted but they cannot track their totals or even where these funds go, giving justified concern it may not be available when they retire at 63 years of age. This draws comparisons to the model of our superannuation scheme, but Indian teachers are without transparency, choice and confidence. The Yatra had started four weeks prior to the AEU delegation joining them on 7 October. AEU delegates had joined Education International President Susan Hopgood by chance in Singapore, who was also on her way to India for the same purpose as AEU delegates. (Susan had also marched in the 2014 Yatra where that successful campaign focused upon “quality free compulsory education for all”.) AEU delegates joined a roadside leg of the Yatra heading into Agra, swamped by well-wishers and new friends, regional media and cameras, the leg was regarded as a privileged experience by AEU delegates. The Yatra took four routes: •

Route 1: Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi.

•

Route 2: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangaga, Karnataka, Goa, Maharastra, Madya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi.

•

Route 3: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi.

•

Route 4: Punjab, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi.

Delhi is known as the gateway to the north, which is often used for child trafficking, for criminal purposes and arranged marriages. Consequently, the AEU has been supporting the EFINS project. In the past year 581 children have been rescued and are now attending schooling thanks to this program. This includes being homed, tracked and in receipt of other support from other government agencies. The government of India provided half a day of leave for teachers to locate these children, often by door knocking, and with the support of government services such as police to protect teacher identities. The AEU has identified it will consider this program as an ongoing commitment if that is the wish of the AIPTF. The women’s network within the AIPTF was another notable highlight; it is not only being led strongly but most importantly it is growing. The AIPTF has formalised changes to committee structures to improve representation and there seemed no lack of female leaders to take on these roles, a more balanced representation across the AIPTF will be in good hands should it be achieved.

Recommendations: 1.

That a branch president report.

That the report be received.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

11 November 2023

AEUBC02/23

AEU NSRA report

Phase one of the national schools funding campaign has now finished and we have entered phase two, which will be characterised by more targeted action to the federal members of the Expenditure Review Committee, the Prime Minister and the federal education minister. AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe wrote to the Prime Minister on behalf of all branches on 6 September 2023, requesting the loopholes in any future agreements that allow the state or territory governments to reduce their agreed contribution, normally by four per cent, be closed through legislation or as a condition of the new agreements. (See background attachment at sstuwa.org.au/statecouncil) A specially convened meeting of federal executive was held Thursday 14 September. This included the decision to commission an eight-part TV series focussing upon well-known and successful Australians who attended public schools and are proud of this heritage. Each branch is to consider who to recommend for federal executive to decide upon. The second phase of the campaign will culminate at the end of November in Canberra when a convoy of vehicles from every state and territory will arrive in the city. This is timed to not only get the attention of the Prime Minister during the last sitting of federal parliament for the year but also just prior to the known period when the Expenditure Review Committee will be finalising commitments related to public education expenditure in the 2024 federal budget. Phase two planning currently includes: •

Two vehicles from WA. •

One to be fully wrapped.

•

One to have doors wrapped.

•

Two weeks around WA/Perth roads.

•

Two weeks travel to Canberra.

•

Two drivers per vehicle.

•

1 November launch date.

•

Other major events in WA during this window of time also being considered with a view to try to build them in.

•

Postcards to the PM – 10,000 is the target number for the WA leg.

•

The AEU will coordinate social media, the For Every Child website including live tracking of the convoy, national newspaper letters to the PM for 27 November and other related actions.

•

Members can provide significant support to this campaign by promoting the For Every Child website and its invaluable resources.

Recommendations: 1.

That a branch president report.

That the report be received.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

AEU WA Branch Council

AEUBC03/23

AEU WA district structure report

SSTUWA/AEUWA district structure A change to the district structure will be required due to the current re-alignment of state electorates being conducted by the WA Electoral Commission (WAEC). This occurs every four years to ensure that state electorates maintain roughly equal numbers of electors on their rolls, as far as possible. Usually this results in relatively minor changes to boundaries, as has been the case over recent elections. However, where significant changes in population growth occur in particular suburbs, over a number of years, this can result in quite large changes to boundaries, as is the case with the most recent proposals. Very few of the 59 electorates remain unchanged, though in some instances this may only be moving one or two streets into a neighbouring electorate. The WAEC released its proposals after seeking and receiving suggestions from interested parties. A period of time, enabling objections to be made, concluded on 30 August. Objections will now be considered and final boundaries published on 1 December. Because the union’s district structure is aligned with WA electorates, this will mean a change to the electorates within some of our published districts and the lists of schools/colleges within the electorates. It is a requirement of the SSTUWA rules that State Council endorse any changes to the district schedule [rule 22(a)(i)]. The election process for Branch Council/State Council delegates for 2024 has formally commenced, the union having written to the AEC asking it to formally begin the process. This means that the election for 2024 delegates will be conducted using the current districts/electorates. The timeline published by the WAEC means that the final boundaries will not be published until after the November State Council. If the SSTUWA is to be in a position to re-align its districts such that the electorates for the next delegate elections are in line with the new boundaries, then this decision must be made at this November 2023 AEUWA Branch and State Councils. Please refer to the recommendations specific to this matter.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

11 November 2023 Adjusted district schedule (Appendix 3 SSTUWA rules/Appendix B AEUWA rules) District

Name

State Electorates

Belmont

Bassendean

Belmont

Forrestfield

Bunbury

Collie-Preston

Vasse

Butler

Mindarie

Butler

Joondalup

Fremantle

Bicton

Fremantle

Bibra Lake

Goldfields

Kalgoorlie

Roe

Hillarys

Kingsley

Wanneroo

Jandakot

Cockburn

Jandakot

Southern River

Kalamunda

Armadale

Darling Range

Kalamunda

KimberleyPilbara

Kimberley

Pilbara

Maylands

Balcatta

Maylands

Mount Lawley

Moore

Central Wheatbelt

Geraldton

Mid West

Morley

Girrawheen

Landsdale

Morley

Murray

Dawesville

Mandurah

MurrayWellington

Perth

Cottesloe

Nedlands

Perth

Riverton

Bateman

Riverton

Thornlie

Rockingham

Kwinana

Rockingham

Baldivis

Scarborough

Carine

Churchlands

Scarborough

Stirling

Albany

WarrenBlackwood

Swan

Midland

Walyunga

West Swan

Victoria Park

Cannington

South Perth

Victoria Park

Padbury Oakford

Secret Harbour

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

That AEUWA Branch Council endorse the districts and the state electorates comprising them, as outlined in the schedules.

That, in the event the WA Electoral Commission’s final published electoral boundaries differ from the attached schedule, the AEUWA Executive be authorised to amend the schedule to reflet the position of the WAEC.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

AEU WA Branch Council

AEUBC04/23

AEU WA Branch rule amendments

The SSTUWA is proposing a rule change at the November State Council to extend the term of office of SSTUWA State Council delegates from one year to two years. In the event that this proposal is successful, it will be necessary for the corresponding rules of the AEUWA Branch to reflect the changes. The following proposed rule changes will: •

Provide for the election of delegates to Branch Council to be elected for two years instead of the current one year.

•

Retain the current provision for dealing with inter-district staff movements where elected delegates move from one District to another. i.e. such delegates will continue to represent the District from which they were originally elected for the remainder of the two year term.

Recommendations: 1.

That a senior officer report.

That the report be received.

That Rule 2 – Constitution of Branch Council be amended at sub-rule 2(3) by replacing the words “12 months” with the words “two years”. Rule 2(3) would then read: 2(3) The term of office of those members of Branch Council who are elected from Districts shall commence on the 20th day of March and expire two years after the commencement thereof.

That Rule 2 - Constitution of Branch Council be amended at sub-rule 2(5) by replacing the word “annual” with the word “biennial”. Rule 2(5) would then read: 2(5) Vacancies which occur after the biennial election for the office of a Branch Councillor elected from a District shall be filled by the Branch Executive appointing another financial member, attached to the District in which the vacancy has occurred, to fill the vacancy. The person so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term of office remaining.

That Rule 9 – Constitution of Branch Council be amended at sub-rule (1) by deleting the word “annually” and adding the words “in which an election occurs”. Rule 9(1) would then read: 9(1) Each District shall elect representatives to Branch Council at the commencement of each school year in which an election occurs.

That Rule 9 – Election of District Representatives to Branch Council be amended at sub-rule 5(i) by replacing the words “12 months” with the words “two years”. Rule 9(5)(i) would then read: 9(5)(i)

That Rule 9 – Election of District Representatives to Branch Council be deleted and replaced by the following: 9(5)(ii)

The term of office of District representatives to Branch Council shall commence on the 20th day of March and expire two years after the commencement thereof.

An elected District representative who is transferred from that District during the term of office, shall continue to hold that office for the remainder of the term.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.

11 November 2023

AEUBC05/23 Decisions from the SSTUWA November 2023 State Council Conference Recommendations: 1.

That a branch president report.

That the report be received.

That the decisions from the SSTUWA November 2023 State Council Conference be endorsed,

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. October 2023.