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Defend our profession – Keep teacher registration in the hands of teachers!

AEU NT Conference sounds alarm over proposed government takeover of teacher registration.

Over 60 members of the AEU NT passed a unanimous motion at the Branch’s annual Conference last Friday condemning the NT Government’s plan to remove all requirements for teacher and union representation on the Teacher Registration Board.

That the AEU NT oppose in the strongest terms the NT Government’s planned takeover of the teaching profession through:

  • the merger of the NT Teacher Registration Board with the NT Board of Studies,
  • the removal of the requirement for teacher and other stakeholder representation on both boards and
  • selection of board members at the sole discretion of the Minister for Education.

 

Removing practising teachers, principals, parents and union representatives from these boards:

  • Disrespects the professional status of teachers
  • Undermines the independence of these important institutions
  • Risks politicising decisions about teachers and schools
  • Puts the safety of students and staff at risk
  • Compromises the quality of teaching and learning in the NT
  • Shows contempt for the unique skills, knowledge and perspectives of Territory educators.

 

Teachers must remain at the core of all decision-making about our profession.

 

The Australian Education Union NT has joined education stakeholders from across the Territory in raising serious concerns about the Northern Territory Government’s proposed Education Standards and Registration Board Bill 2026, preparing a joint submission with the Independent Education Union which you can read here:

AEU NT President Brian Gray said ““For 20 years, the representational structure of the board has guaranteed its independence. This bill puts that at risk. This is a government take-over of what should be a professional body, run by teachers, funded by teachers’ registration fees, to regulate the teaching profession.”

 

You can read the joint submission made by the AEU NT and The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory Branch regarding the Education Standards and Registration Board Bill 2026 here:

 

It is important that teachers inform themselves urgently about these radical changes. Please find a link to the Bill and Review below: