Victorian Teachers Get Highest Pay in Australia: New Deal 2026

Victorian teachers have secured a historic pay deal that makes them the highest paid in Australia, ending a year-long bargaining process with a 79% vote in favor. The agreement, accepted by Australian Education Union (AEU) members, delivers total pay rises of between 28.3% and 32.4% over four years, plus a $2,000 bonus at the start.

Key Details of the New Teacher Pay Deal

The new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) will see early-career teachers receive a $12,343 increase by October 2026, bringing their pay in line with counterparts in New South Wales. An experienced teacher's salary will rise from $118,063 to $151,419 by 2029, including a $15,393 increase in 2026 that puts them ahead of NSW teachers.

Improved Working Conditions

Beyond salary, the deal includes fewer after-school meetings, four professional practice days each year, and eight student-free days each year from 2027. Existing face-to-face teaching hour maximums of 18.5 hours per week for secondary teachers and 21 hours for primary teachers are also secured in the EBA.

Comparison: Victoria vs New South Wales

Union Rebellion and Political Context

The deal comes after a year-long bargaining process that included a planned strike, which was called off after the vote. The premier, Ben Carroll, who took over leadership three weeks ago, claimed the result as a win, stating it makes Victorian teachers the best paid in Australia with the best conditions. According to government sources, part of Carroll's pitch to Labor MPs for the leadership was that he could resolve the dispute more quickly than his predecessor, and he has now delivered on that promise just three months before the Victorian election.

Key Takeaways

• Victorian teachers become the highest paid in Australia.
• Pay rises range from 28.3% to 32.4% over four years.
• Improved conditions include fewer meetings and more student-free days.
• Agreement still needs a ballot of all covered employees.

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