Victorian President's Report

Victoria’s weather is presenting many diverse challenges with climate variability requiring concerted efforts to mitigate risks and levels of impact.  From floods to high temperatures and storms, many communities and schools are facing ongoing challenges due to extreme and dangerous weather conditions.  The elevated fire danger for today has the potential to reach catastrophic levels and wishing that everyone stays safe and well.

Following the passing of the Fair Work Amendment (Right to Disconnect) Bill 2023, employees have been granted a legal right to disconnect from work. Whilst the laws are not intended to block contact or calls relating to workplace emergencies or work that is deemed critical, employees now have a legal right to ignore contact after hours, without fear of punishment. Several members have been asking, what does this mean for the educational sector and in particular school staff and principals? I have provided key information relating to the bill in this edition of the newsletter.  

Contained within this edition of the newsletter, you will find many useful links and tools to assist you.  There have been several changes to eduPay as part of the user enhancement and functionality project.  From this week, principal contract renewals have moved to eduPay (see information within), and we have shared with you a newly developed tool by the department aimed at supporting planning relating to mandatory and priority learning for school personnel.  Also included is key information and support links relating to Time-in-lieu management and acquittal.  We thank the respective teams at the department for developing these tools and enhancements.