Victorian public school teachers and education support staff have begun voting on a revised state government pay offer, a crucial move that could avert a massive statewide strike scheduled for later this month.

The Australian Education Union (AEU) convened an extraordinary council meeting to discuss the government's latest proposal. While the deal retains the previously offered 28 to 32 per cent salary increase—varying by role—it introduces several key sweeteners. These include a $2,000 one-off signing bonus, stricter limits on face-to-face teaching hours, and a one-hour reduction in weekly meeting times.

Furthermore, educators, learning specialists, assistant principals, and support staff who have reached the top of their pay bracket will receive an annual 1 per cent lump-sum payment. Union members began voting on the deal immediately following the council meeting. The ballot will remain open until August 17, just two days before the scheduled 24-hour strike on Wednesday, August 19. If a majority votes in favor, the industrial action will be cancelled.

A High-Stakes Vote

The decision rests entirely with union members, who previously rejected a government-backed offer by 58 per cent due to persistent concerns over mounting workloads and school funding. AEU Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly characterized the new offer as a "significant step" toward addressing these long-standing issues, though he emphasized that the final decision lies with the membership. "Our union is a proudly democratic union," Mr. Mullaly said. "Members get to have a say about their terms and conditions."

Funding and Leadership Changes

The breakthrough proposal follows Premier Ben Carroll's recent pledge to boost state school funding in alignment with the historic Gonski plan. Both the government and the union hope that securing a comprehensive funding agreement with the federal government will lift Victorian schools out of their current position as the lowest-funded in the country.

Newly appointed Education Minister Gabrielle Williams, who recently took over the portfolio from Mr. Carroll, stated that securing the $5 billion agreement remains her absolute priority. Minister Williams confirmed she met with union leadership immediately after her appointment to progress negotiations in good faith. "We believe it's a good offer. In fact, we believe it's an excellent offer," Minister Williams said, urging teachers to consider the package closely as the government works to minimize classroom disruptions for families across Victoria.