IEU legend and leader Deb James to step down

IEU General Secretary Deb James has formally announced her retirement in a letter to members.

Deb, also President of Trades Hall Council, will step down 12 May, having led the IEU since 2005. The next edition of The Point will include a tribute to Deb which will serve as a history of the union, for she has been involved in one form or another for 33 years, from a time before the IEU had its current name.

At a recent event, Premier Dan Andrews said, “you can go to whatever the next chapter holds with a sense of abundant pride and certainty that we are all deeply grateful to you.”

Our special feature will include words from a range of figures, including the members Deb has served so well for so long.

Deb James at the School Strike for Climate

Here is the message sent to members:

“It is with immense gratitude and love for this union and its mighty members that I write to advise that I’m retiring as General Secretary as of 12 May. After more than 17 years in this role, six years as the Deputy Secretary and 10 years before that in various organising and advocacy roles in our union, I’m ready to pass on the baton to others. I leave confident that the union will be in safe hands and that the best interests of our members will be vigorously defended and advanced. 
 
“I began my teaching career at St Bernard’s East Coburg in 1979, when the union had not yet even formed. In 1988 I joined the executive of the relatively new Victorian Catholic Primary Teachers Association and was lucky enough to get a job with them in 1990 working out of our offices in the Trades Hall Building. I love seeing the Reps and members who were around in those early days who helped establish the union and on whose shoulders we stand. 
 
“It has been such a privilege to work for the IEU. Our members work in the most important jobs; educating, inspiring, and developing students so they can go out into the world engaged, curious, lifelong learners who make a contribution in whatever field they pursue. Education is about so much more than ATARs and NAPLAN results. By nurturing the next generation, you shape the future.
 
“Over the years I’ve spoken out for our profession, advocating for our members on school-level to sector-wide issues in local, state and federal arenas. I’m proud of the contribution I’ve made, but much more importantly, I’m grateful to the members and Reps, the Committee of Management and the staff of the IEU for trusting and supporting me in this work.  
 
“David Brear, current IEU Deputy Secretary, will be stepping up to the office of General Secretary with the unanimous support of the Committee of Management. Dave started working with the IEU in 2001 after 13 years as a teacher mainly in Catholic secondary schools but also in independent schools and the English language sector. In addition to his experience as a teacher and a union official Dave has been admitted as a lawyer and is the IEU nominee on the Board of NGS super.

“The office of Deputy Secretary will be filled by Kylie Busk who has been employed by the IEU for 14 years, before which she was on Committee of Management while at De La Salle College, where she was the Rep for nearly a decade. Kylie began teaching in 1997 and her experience covers all sectors as well as time teaching in the UK. In her years at the IEU she has represented members on various committees and in stakeholder engagement, and she is currently on the board of the Centre for Strategic Education.
 
“I have no doubt that Dave and Kylie will lead the IEU on to greater things. They’ll continue to grow and strengthen our membership, build our influence and protect and promote our profession. They bring energy and enthusiasm, intelligence and insight. They will be well supported by the Committee of Management and the wonderful team here at the IEU. We now have more than 50 people working across two states to serve a union of more than 20,000 members - and growing. 
 
“It’s sad to say good-bye after such a long time on the job and one that I’ve loved so much but it’s the right time, and I depart knowing the union is thriving. I’ve still got a few weeks to go before winding up and there’s a lot of handing over to complete. Finishing the detail around the Victorian Catholic Agreement is of course top of the list!
 
“Thank you all for your support and comradeliness over the years. It has been an honour.  

“In unity,”

Debra James
General Secretary