Union demands childcare reform, backs NSW Bill to ban claim farming
The Independent Education Union (IEU) of Australia NSW/ACT Branch has condemned the mistreatment of children in some for-profit childcare centres and welcomed a NSW government bill to ban claim farming.
Following an ABC Four Corners exposé on serious safety breaches in childcare, IEU secretary Carol Matthews called for urgent reform, criticising private operators for prioritising profits over children’s wellbeing. The union is pushing for stricter regulation, better staffing ratios, and fair wages for educators.
Meanwhile, the IEU has also backed the Claim Farming Practices Prohibition Bill 2025, which aims to stop fraudulent historical abuse claims. Matthews said false claims devastate innocent teachers and called on all NSW MPs to support the legislation.
Research highlights solutions to Australia’s teacher shortage
Australia’s ongoing teacher shortage, especially in rural and low socio-economic areas, continues to affect schools. New research from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Edith Cowan University (ECU) reveals critical insights into attracting and retaining educators.
QUT’s study found nearly half of new teachers are career changers, but many leave the profession due to ‘reality shock’. Experts urge policy changes to better support teacher retention, including recognising prior learning and improving visa processes for overseas educators.
Additionally, rural schools face high turnover rates due to poor school culture, heavy workloads, and insufficient support for replacement teachers, who make up 16% of the workforce but receive little professional development.
Meanwhile, ECU’s research emphasises the importance of community connections in rural teaching. Teachers who feel a sense of belonging in their communities are more likely to stay, leading to better student outcomes.
Dr Mary-Anne Macdonald, lead author, stressed the need for targeted training and better support systems to help educators thrive in rural environments, particularly in areas with a significant Indigenous population.
Documentary and comic tackle youth challenges 
A new documentary and digital comic are shedding light on critical issues facing young Australians – family violence and online disinformation.
Unanswered Calls, launched by Safe Steps, highlights the lack of dedicated domestic violence support for young people, despite 40 per cent of Australians under 16 being exposed to such violence. Featuring firsthand survivor accounts and expert insights, the film calls for a national youth-focused response.
The Sydney premiere is on 17 March, with screenings to follow in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.
Meanwhile, The Adventures of Soy Boy and Friends, a digital comic co-designed by RMIT students and educators, addresses online disinformation affecting young men.
Launched during Respect at Uni Week, it explores how students navigate misinformation and social pressures.
In brief
An interactive Minecraft Education program allows students to explore and restore St Peter’s Basilica. Developed with the Vatican and Microsoft, it combines history, art, and technology for learners aged 8 to 18. Read more here.
Families of children with disability can now access Stepping Stones Triple P Online, a free, government-funded parenting program. The program offers essential support for parents, particularly those facing long wait times for diagnosis and services.
Stepping Stones Triple P Online is available at triplep-parenting.net.au.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has welcomed the ordination and installation of George Kolodziej SDS as the fifth Bishop of Bunbury. Read more. 
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is pushing forward its Common Good Accord, a platform integrating Catholic Social Teaching into policy design. The initiative aligns with CSSA’s National Conference, ‘Hope in Action,’ held in Sydney this week. Inspired by the Jubilee 2025 theme, the event explored peace, dignity, and support for the marginalised. Read more.
The Close the Gap Campaign has released its annual report, emphasising the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in driving meaningful reform. This year’s report underscores agency, leadership, and accountability in embedding the National Agreement on Closing the Gap’s Priority Reform Areas. Read more.
The House of Representatives seeks a provider to develop and run the 2026 National Youth Parliament in Canberra. Responsibilities include event management, program delivery, and child safety compliance. Open tender available on AusTender.
What’s on
Reco Rally: Join youth groups from across Brisbane for a night of live music, games, inspiring speakers, prayer, and Reconciliation on Friday, 28 March from 6–8.30pm at Lourdes Hill College. Book here.
ACMI Free webinars: a range of resource-supported webinars build screen literacy and practical skills for students.
• Script a Smile (Years 5-8) – Comedy writing workshop
Friday, 6 June, 11:30am AEST
Find out more.
• Movie Masters (Years 3-6) – Filmmaking basics
Wednesday, 7 May, 30 July, 15 October | 11.15am-12pm
Find out more.
• Stop Motion Starter (Years 3-6) – Animation skills
Wednesday 7 May, 30 July, 15 October | 9.45-10.30am
Find out more.
Harmony Day Competitions for Schools: students can express their creativity and explore their role in fostering a harmonious and inclusive society the three creative competitions.
• Short Film: AVI or MP4
• Poster: A3 drawing, painting, or mixed media
• Songwriting: 2-minute original song
Theme: We all have a role to play
Entries close: 12 April 2025
Find out more.
Pic 1: The Adventures of Soy Boy and Friends, a digital comic, tackles online disinformation and social pressures.
Pic 2: George Kolodziej SDS has been installed as the fifth Bishop of Bunbury.