Schools ES matters: making your voice heard

Last term was Education Support Personnel Day, and the focus this year was ‘ES, Getting the most out of your membership’. As many of you know, there are many advantages of being an AEU member. One of the biggest is having a voice not only in your sub-branch but also in your region. 

Every school sub-branch has an executive made up of elected members. The most effective sub-branches have an executive to share the work. Executive positions should include at least one ES representative. Having an ES rep means there is a strong, clear ES voice in the AEU sub-branch. 

We encourage all sub-branches to elect an ES rep to the executive. If you don’t know whether your school has an ES rep, have a chat with your fellow sub-branch members and executive to find out. If there isn’t one yet – could it be you? For more information about the role, head to aeuvic.asn.au/your-job/education-support. 

Along with an ES rep in your sub-branch, all ES need to be active AEU members in your sub-branch and in your region. Participate in meetings, raise issues as they arise, and make sure they are scheduled at a time that is inclusive for as many members as possible. Join regional meetings either in person or online, understand ES entitlements, and ensure they are implemented correctly in your school. 

First Nations members engaging with the AEU

Do you work with a Koorie Educator, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer or KESO? Ask them if they are an AEU member and, if not, invite them to join. These members bring valuable First Nations perspectives to our union.

The AEU’s First Nations organisers have been working with members and the union leadership to develop more support and opportunities. These organisers engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members from all sectors to build power in the union space for mob, to give voice to their issues in education, and to facilitate networking and connection in public education.

There is also a group of First Nations members from across all sectors who meet twice a term online. This committee works closely with the organisers to build belonging, power and voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the union and more broadly. If you are a First Nations member, please get in touch with Alinta via email at alinta.williams@aeuvic.asn.au to find out more.