Steph Burns
Hi, I’m Steph Burns. I am currently teaching Global Studies at Dickson College, and I represent our sub-branch as president and women’s contact officer. I am standing for this role because I am proud to support and strengthen a Union that deeply knows and cares about members’ concerns, needs and aspirations, and that has won significant improvements to our working conditions. Through my Union work I create safe spaces for women to discuss their experiences of balancing work, health and family. I support members from all types of school roles to understand how to access their rights under our EBAs. I work closely with key stakeholders to identify and respond to staff concerns to improve working conditions. A vote for me is a vote to bring my skills of consensus-building and developing results-driven processes to the branch executive. The educational landscape is changing quickly as the old industrial model falls more and more out of step with contemporary Australia. That is why I will work positively and constructively with our branch executive to ensure that our members, who work tirelessly to see our youth through these changes, are supported not just to cope but to thrive.
Leica Burt
Hi, my name is Leica Burt and I have been part of the Branch executive for the past two years. It is great that in the last EBA issues around recruiting new educators were somewhat addressed and will continue to be ironed out. The biggest issue I see now is to maintain existing staff and to do develop ways forward either through allowances, better transfer, and leadership opportunities for all staff. I want to keep working to ensure this EBA is the best offer for all staff across education so that we can attract, recruit, and retain the best paid and the best looked after across the nation. My background in HR/IR/WHS issues shows my passion for improving conditions for a stronger and sustainable workforce.
Murray Chisholm
I have been an active unionist all through my 23-year career with ACT schools as a member, sub-branch office holder, Branch Councillor, and Branch Executive member. Having been a Branch Executive member for three substantial periods since 2004, I carry a lot of corporate knowledge and experience that I can apply for the benefit of members. Further, I have worked in a range of settings- Caroline Chisholm, Mount Stromlo, Lanyon, Dickson, Narrabundah, Canberra College, and the ESO, so I have a broad perspective on teachers’ work that I have contributed effectively to Executive discussions. I am currently an SLC- Curriculum Officer with the ACTBSSS. Within the Executive, I have contributed through the Finance Committee and helped keep the finances of the union stable and positive. I hope to continue making contribution of time and energy in support of AEU members. With the upcoming EA and the challenge of making teachers work sustainable, I hope to work with Executive on developing policy for the benefit of members in these areas. Thank you.
Trina Cleary
I am a strong teacher unionist and have been active in the AEU for over twenty years. For six of those, I’ve served as one of your branch executive members—governing, representing, and advocating for you.
I’m seeking a fourth term to continue this work, bringing my experience, understanding of governance, and deep commitment to advocacy. I believe steady, experienced leadership is essential as we continue to fight for the rights and conditions we deserve.
Public educators are central to healthy, connected communities. We offer skill, empathy, and altruism—qualities that should be recognised and properly supported. For us to support students, our employer must better support us. Our union is what holds them accountable.
What you should know about me is that I am genuinely angry about how little educator wellbeing is considered in system and school-level decisions. If you’ve felt that too, I’m your candidate.
I’ve undertaken further training in negotiation and problem-solving to respond constructively and turn frustration into progress—through my sub-branch, branch executive, and HSR roles. This work takes energy and persistence, and I’d value your vote as I continue pushing for the change we all need.
Brittany Herrington
My name is Brittany, and I am proud to nominate for the AEU Branch Executive as a teacher representative. As a passionate public school teacher and union advocate, I am committed to ensuring the voices of educators are heard, respected, and acted upon.
I bring significant experience in sub branch and broader union representation, having represented the AEU ACT Branch at multiple federal conferences, where I worked collaboratively with colleagues from across the country to advance national education policy. Within the ACT Branch, I have worked closely with the Executive team, particularly in overseeing the branch’s financial management to ensure transparency and responsible governance.
My advocacy extends to the national stage. I have met directly with the Federal Education Minister to demand full and fair funding for public schools, standing firm for the resources our students and staff deserve. I am a teacher representative on the Sustainable Workload Management Committee, where I push for real, lasting changes to reduce unsustainable workloads for teachers and school leaders across the ACT.
I believe in strong, transparent leadership that listens and acts. I will continue to fight for better conditions, fair funding, and a stronger profession. I respectfully ask for your support.
Barbara Monsma
I am a member of Lanyon High School sub-branch and principal of Lanyon High School. With over 12 years as a school leader and 8 years as principal, I bring extensive leadership experience to Branch Executive, where I’ve served for over 3 years.
My role focuses on representing the principal’s perspective in decision-making and addressing professional challenges. I’ve actively contributed to AEU initiatives including principal working groups and new educator workshops, with strong emphasis on upholding working conditions, psychosocial safety, and preventing occupational violence.
I recognise tensions between leaders and staff often stem from unrealistic expectations that exceed available resources. My experience allows me to inform Branch Executive about day-to-day workload pressures facing school leaders and translate policy expectations into practical realities.
Workload is our biggest challenge. I work collaboratively with AEU Branch Executive, office staff, and fellow school leaders to address this critical issue. These partnerships are essential for successful Enterprise Agreement negotiations and implementation.
I remain committed to fighting for meaningful workload reduction strategies that will keep our profession both sustainable and enjoyable, ensuring we can continue serving our students effectively while maintaining educator wellbeing.
Naomi Nicholson
I am a committed and proud union member. I know the difference belonging to a union can make to our lives and to the conditions under which we work. As an experienced teacher who has taught from primary schools to high schools and college, I have seen first -hand the increased need for working with a diverse range of students. Like you, I am passionate about education and acutely aware of the need to do our best for our students, providing rich and varied classroom experiences, along with many activities and learning opportunities outside the classroom. Workload, challenging behaviours, implementation of new programs, and trying alternative approaches to meet the needs of, and enrich, our students, while working within limited resources, are some challenges we face, and find way to work with, as union members. Our workforce consists of a variety of backgrounds and experiences. This is our strength. I strongly believe that we can work together, using our strength to move forward. It has been a privilege to serve you as your representative on Branch Executive. I would be honoured to continue to represent you and the interests of all our members over the next term.
Max Pouwer
ACT Classroom teacher since January 2012. Science, Conservation, ESOL. Active AEU delegate & Parkcare Volunteer.
Deputy President, Relief / Casual Teacher sub-branch (last few years).
Strong believer in EQUITY for ALL ACTAEU members and Diversity in representation.
Have tried to represent the best interests of ALL ACTAEU members with particular focus on issues affecting Relief and Casual Teachers.
Attend all monthly Branch council meetings, keeping up to date with issues / concerns that members and ACTAEU Exec bring up for discussion.
Coordinated survey + extensive consultation + feedback from Relief Teachers regarding implementation / use of the Kronos / UKG workforce data system.
Maintain active involvement, feedback and consultation with ACTAEU (draft) log of claims, aiming to arrive at a new Collective Employment agreement with the Best negotiated conditions of service for All ACTAEU Members.
Prior to commencing teaching Canberra in 2012 :
Involved in Public Education since 1982, working in overseas jurisdictions : New Zealand / Aotearoa, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Netherlands.
Was an active Delegate with the NZ Post Primary Teachers Association. (sister Public Education Union across the ditch).
Brought up in a family practicing Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, speaking several languages, making me feel right at home in our ACT classrooms where Student Diversity is the Norm.
Jackson St George
I’m standing for election to the AEU ACT Executive because I believe in a profession where teachers are respected, supported, and safe at work both physically and psychologically.
As part of the last enterprise bargaining team, I advocated effectively through impassioned argument for greater reductions in new educator hours. I serve on the Sustainable Workload Committee as a vocal representative, pushing for practical, enforceable changes to ease the burden in our schools. Since returning to the ACT six years ago, I have had consistent involvement in council representing my sub-branches. I have been a Sub-Branch President in three schools—Strathmore Secondary College (VIC), Canberra College, and Belconnen High—and have always worked to build empowered, fairer workplaces. Each school has been left in a better industrial state than I found it.
I’m committed to making public school education jobs the premier professions in our society—offering excellent conditions, good pay, and fulfilling work. Our union must keep pushing for a system where teachers can thrive, not just survive.
I’d be honoured to continue this work on your behalf. I ask for your vote.