Wednesday 5 March 2025
The union representing staff in non-government schools welcomes Brindabella Christian College entering voluntary administration this afternoon.
To date, 53 staff at the K-12 school in Canberra had still not been paid 12 days after the last scheduled pay period on 21 February, leaving them worried about bills, rent and mortgages.
With administrators from Deloitte having been appointed, the union understands that all staff will receive their outstanding pay from this previous pay period by Friday 7 March.
The union also understands there are assurances staff will be paid from now on through administrators operating the school.
A letter to the school community from Deloitte on 5 March 2025 says the key focus is to ensure the school continues to operate without disruption to classes.
“The IEU welcomes this development and we hope it will provide some reassurance and stability for staff, students and the entire school community,” said Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews.
“The union will also be seeking clarity about the school’s long-term position.”
The IEU took Brindabella to the Fair Work Commission on Monday 3 March to try to compel the school to pay its staff in full and on time. The union also raised questions about leave balances and incorrect payslips.
The union continues to advise members at the school to turn up for work.
Brindabella’s financial mess, which has deteriorated rapidly over the past month, has prompted the federal government to scrutinise the school’s finances and operations. With an administrator now in control of the school’s finances, the union understands federal funding will continue.
Brindabella has almost 1200 students and about 200 staff at its two campuses. Tuition fees in 2025 range from $10,575 a year for K-4 and $15,400 for Years 9-12.
“The union looks forward to staff being paid their overdue wages this week, and to the administrator restoring confidence in the school,” Matthews said.
Contacts
IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews 0418 272 902
Media: Monica Crouch 0486 046 975 monica@ieu.asn.au
The IEUA NSW/ACT Branch represents over 32,000 teachers, principals and support staff in Catholic and independent schools, early childhood centres and post-secondary colleges.
Authorised by Carol Matthews, IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary
