ACT teachers secure 9% pay rise and staffing guarantee
Teachers also get two extra pupil-free days and government support for adequate school staffing.
The ACT government has offered public school teachers a 9 per cent pay rise over three years. The offer also includes two extra pupil-free days and a guarantee of adequate staffing in all schools.
The offer would make ACT teachers the highest-paid in the country on base salary from 2027, outside the Northern Territory. Beginning teachers, experienced educators at the top of the pay scale and new principals will receive additional pay bumps.
The staffing guarantee marks a major shift. The government becomes responsible for ensuring every school has enough staff.
Before, individual principals had to manage shortages alone. Many teachers cannot run full five-day timetables.
Collapsed classes are widespread. The Australian Education Union confirmed this.
The offer goes to a staff ballot from November 26 to December 8. If accepted, pay rises begin in February 2027.
Back pay from July will be paid in March.
- 9 per cent over three years
- Pay rise
- two additional days
- Extra pupil-free days
- highest-paid outside Northern Territory
- Rank from 2027
- Angela Burroughs
- Union president
Why it mattersTeachers' pay and working conditions directly affect school quality and staff retention. The staffing guarantee means fewer disrupted lessons for students.
AustraliaACT students will face fewer disrupted timetables and cancelled classes if the staffing guarantee takes effect, and families must plan childcare around two extra pupil-free days each year.
