Teachers march through Melbourne’s city centre to protest over pay and conditions on March 24, 2026. William West/AFP via Getty Images
The Victorian teachers’ union has agreed to pay rises of between 28.3 and 32.4 percent over the next four years, plus a $2,000 lump-sum payment.
The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian Branch said 79 percent of members working in public schools across the state had voted to accept the government’s offer.
The deal comes just a month after Ben Carroll, who previously served as education minister, became Victorian premier.
Under the agreement, experienced teachers will earn $151,419 (US$107,600) by 2029, up from the current salary of $118,063.
They will receive a $15,393 pay increase this year. Meanwhile, early-career teachers will see their salaries rise by $12,343 by October 2026.
In addition, required annual meeting hours will be halved from 80 to 40, giving teachers more time for other tasks.
The union accepted the offer ahead of a planned 24-hour strike on Aug. 19, which has now been cancelled.
AEU Victorian Branch President Justin Mullaly noted the deal had been reached following a “powerful campaign” by tens of thousands of teachers.
“This outcome has been won through the direct efforts of AEU members, who demanded pay and conditions that reflect the value and importance of their work in Victorian public schools,” he said.
All Victorian teachers will now have to vote on the pay rise as required under the Fair Work Act, with a resolution expected by October, just one month before the state election.
Meanwhile, the state government acknowledged the important role of teachers when announcing the pay rise.
“Teachers, principals and education support staff do some of the most important work in our state. They show up every day for our kids and they deserve a pay rise that values their work,” it said.
“This agreement delivers this. It makes Victorian teachers the best paid in Australia—with the best conditions.”
The pay deal also includes a minimum increase of 29.8 percent for classroom support, administrative staff and those supporting students with a disability.
