School Council AEU 

School Council writes to Education Minister over funding and enterprise agreement delays 

At the end of March, School Council President Ben Hubbard wrote to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll — copying Premier Jacinta Allan and local member Kat Theophanous — urging the Government to resolve the stalled Victorian Government Schools Agreement negotiations and commit to full public school funding without further delay. 

The letter highlighted the direct impact on our school community, noting that recent industrial action left Northcote High without enough staff to safely operate, forcing the closure of normal classes. It pointed to the Government's decision to delay full funding for Victoria's public schools until 2031 as a source of growing concern, arguing that each year of underfunding widens inequity and limits opportunity for students. 

The Council drew attention to the practical consequences already being felt across the State, and the specific impact for NHS. The letter expressed the Council's strong support for measures that improve conditions for teachers, school leaders, and education support staff — not only for their wellbeing, but to maintain the quality and continuity of education for all students. 

The Government was urged to work constructively with the AEU to reach a fair and timely agreement, and to deliver full and equitable school funding without further delay.