Australia’s teachers are working the equivalent of billions in unpaid labour, with new Parliamentary Library analysis revealing they perform around $11.5 billion worth of extra work annually.
The research, commissioned by the Greens, found that teachers work on average 12 hours more per week than the standard 38-hour week — adding up to roughly 50 hours of work weekly. The findings were released to coincide with World Teachers’ Day, shining a light on what the Greens describe as an “overwork crisis” that’s forcing educators out of the profession.
“It’s no wonder teachers are leaving the classroom in droves,” said Greens education spokeswoman Penny Allman-Payne, herself a former teacher. “Our teachers are overworked, undervalued, and face increasingly difficult and unsafe conditions.”
She added that one of the most demoralising experiences for teachers was feeling they had failed a student due to a lack of time and resources. “We need Labor to fully fund public schools now and reverse the growing inequality gap that threatens the futures of millions of children.”
The Parliamentary Library warned its estimate was “a very broad figure” that should be treated with caution, but noted that it aligns closely with findings from the Australian Education Union (AEU).
AEU deputy president Meredith Pearce said teachers are burdened by excessive administrative tasks and compliance work. “People don’t have enough time during paid hours to prepare lessons or plan properly,” she said.
Ms Pearce emphasised that while workload isn’t the only factor behind teacher shortages, it remains “a significant one that hasn’t been adequately addressed by governments.”
The findings paint a stark picture of a workforce stretched to breaking point — with growing calls for governments to reduce workloads, cut red tape, and ensure teachers are properly compensated for the work they do beyond the classroom.
