Correcting misleading NCCD compliance advice circulating in schools
25 May 2026
Correcting misleading NCCD compliance advice circulating in schools
The IEU has serious concerns with correspondence issued by multiple non-government school employers claiming that new Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) compliance requirements have been introduced, when in fact the requirements for the 2026 NCCD census remain unchanged.
Advice circulated by employers across multiple schools and jurisdictions incorrectly asserts that the Australian Government Department of Education has implemented changes to NCCD evidentiary requirements. These communications claim the changes are effective immediately and will increase staff workloads.
The employer advice is misleading and incorrect. It has caused understandable concern among members already managing significant workload demands.
Following discussions with senior officials from the Department of Education, the IEU confirms that there are no changes to compliance or evidentiary requirements for the 2026 NCCD.
In response to our concerns, the Department has unequivocally stated that “There are no changes to evidentiary obligations for the 2026 NCCD”.
While ‘school funding integrity’ reforms were announced in the Federal Budget, these measures are still under development and will not affect requirements for this year’s NCCD Census.
Employers must urgently review any misleading NCCD advice and provide clarification to schools to address any misunderstandings. Clear and accurate communication is essential to ensure staff are not subjected to unnecessary additional workload or anxiety.
Our union has undertaken sustained NCCD advocacy with governments and employers in recent years, including collaboration with the Department of Education to develop the NCCD Evidence Requirements Fact Sheet. This initiative clarified NCCD-related work demands to eliminate excessive tasks imposed on teachers and school leaders. This vital work will continue as we strengthen workload protections for our members.
The IEU will keep members informed of further developments to reduce excessive NCCD work demands, with significant representations currently underway between our union and key policy makers. Any member experiencing pressure to undertake work beyond current NCCD requirements should contact their relevant IEU Branch for immediate advice and support.
