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Public schools funding, the state of education in WA, nationally and globally and the honouring of two SSTUWA stalwarts headlined November State Council Conference for this year.

Delegates at November 2023 State Council Conference voted unanimously to bestow SSTUWA life membership upon former president and long-time member, Pat Byrne. The following is Matt Jarman’s report to delegates.

Bestowal of life membership on former SSTUWA President Pat Byrne, a pledge from the Premier to fully consult with unions before announcing salary rises for the public sector and a promise from the education minister that both state and federal Labor governments are committed to working to deliver full funding for public schools were among the highlights of State Council.

Election of members to SSTUWA committees and delegates to UnionsWA at November 2023 State Council

A century and a quarter is how long your union has been around to advocate for public educators and the profession.

June State Council Conference was the largest in recent times and befitting of celebrations held during the event to mark the SSTUWA’s 125-year anniversary.

Delegates to November State Council Conference were introduced to the panel members of the SSTUWA review into public education and had an opportunity to engage with them via a consultation workshop on opening day.

November State Council Conference has capped off a year of intense union activity which has included the launch of an independent review into public education in WA, the registering of two General Agreements and the start of the process for a next Log of Claims.

It has been a big year for public educators, but 2022 promises to be even bigger and it will be critical for the SSTUWA and its members to remain strong, united and committed in order to tackle the challenges that will come its way.

SSTUWA membership numbers continue to grow, with member numbers in all categories increasing to give the union just over 17,700 members.

The SSTUWA will commission a review into the state of public education in WA that will drive the push to elevate the status of public educators and ensure the sector receives the full resourcing that it needs.

Protecting public education and the rights and conditions of those who work in the field were among the key messages delivered at June State Council Conference earlier this month.