Enterprise Bargaining Agreement Update

EBA Negotiations Update 2 – Term 2, 2026 

As members will be aware, we have submitted our request to the Fair Work Commission to undertake protected action. The ballot will be sent to members in the coming week and we are continuing to strongly negotiate on members’ behalf while pursuing the priorities outlined in our Log of Claims.

The PABO application includes a range of proposed actions that members will have the opportunity to vote on. These actions are designed to highlight the substantial workload principals undertake beyond the core responsibilities of leading and managing a school, including involvement in non-compulsory programs and initiatives, network participation, completion of Department surveys and a range of additional administrative and system-level expectations. Importantly, these measures are intended to demonstrate the breadth and complexity of the role and the growing demands being placed on the Principal Class.

Whilst negotiations are not progressing as quickly as we would like, we remain confident that there has been meaningful movement across a number of areas. Importantly, the Department has indicated agreement on some aspects of our Log of Claims and recent discussions have reflected a more constructive and solution-focused approach. While there is still considerable work to be done, these developments represent positive steps toward an outcome that appropriately recognises the complexity, accountability and increasing demands of the Principal Class. The APF negotiating team remains firmly committed to achieving practical and sustainable improvements for members and will continue to advocate strongly to secure an agreement that delivers genuine outcomes for school leaders.