Victorian teachers and education staff are being asked to vote on a new pay offer from the Victorian government that could prevent a third statewide strike and resolve a prolonged pay dispute.

The Australian Education Union (AEU) held an extraordinary council meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026, to discuss the latest offer. The deal maintains a 28 to 32 percent pay rise depending on the educator's role and adds a $2,000 lump-sum payment for signing the agreement. It also includes limits on face-to-face teaching hours and reduces meeting times by one hour. Additionally, there would be a 1 percent annual lump-sum payment for teachers, learning specialists, assistant principals, and education support employees who have reached the top of their pay scale.

The offer comes ahead of a planned statewide 24-hour strike scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The AEU council resolved to put the offer to a vote of all union members, with the ballot opening on August 10 and closing on August 17, two days before the strike.

Premier Ben Carroll recently pledged to increase funding to state schools in line with obligations under the former Gonski plan.

AEU Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly described the new offer as a significant step toward recognising and rewarding experienced teachers while securing sought-after funding improvements for schools. She emphasized the union's democratic process, stating, "Our union is a proudly democratic union. Members get to have a say about their terms and conditions."

Mullaly added, "We believe it's a good offer. In fact, we believe it's an excellent offer. We, of course, hope that our teachers and education support staff will have a close look at this offer and understand that we come to this in good faith and wanting to genuinely ensure that we respect the incredibly important work that they do."

She also noted that securing the $5 billion agreement remains her first priority in the new portfolio.

Sources

ABC Australia News