The Victorian government has presented a new pay offer to state school teachers, principals, and education support staff, proposing a 28.3 per cent salary increase over the next four years. Education Minister Ben Carroll stated that more than 90,000 full-time teachers will receive over $1,000 more per month by October 2026 and nearly $3,000 more per month by 2030. Education support staff are expected to earn $1,600 more per month by 2030.

The offer also includes a reduction in required meeting hours from 80 to 40 hours annually and grants principals greater flexibility regarding meetings. Additionally, the most experienced teachers at the top of the pay scale will receive an annual lump sum payment. The revised offer aligns wage increases for education support staff with those for teachers.

Despite the government's efforts, the Australian Education Union (AEU) has accused the Labor government of attempting to bypass the union by directly approaching employees with the offer. The AEU announced that public school teachers plan to hold another 24-hour strike on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

The Victorian government has urged the education union to call off the strike in light of the new offer. The government emphasized that less time spent in meetings would allow teachers to focus more on students.

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