From the President
A welcome to the Australian Principals Federation from our President, Andrew Cock.
As President of the Australian Principals Federation, it is my honour to represent you, the leaders at the frontline of our schools and communities. Our role as school principals demands strategic insight, unwavering commitment, and the capacity to navigate increasingly complex professional expectations. Leadership in education is challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding. Our shared journey is rooted in making a real difference for students, staff and families, and in championing professional leadership that is respected, protected and advanced.
The APF exists to support you through every dimension of your professional life. As a member of the Principal Class, you have access to specialised industrial support and representation tailored uniquely to your needs. When the pressures of leadership intersect with employment matters, our team stands ready to advocate on your behalf. At the core of our service are the issues that matter most to you – from negotiation to practical protection in times of need.
As part of your APF membership, you have access to expert advice, support and advocacy from highly experienced industrial officers in areas including:
- Salaries and allowances
- Conditions of employment
- Organisational changes to work practices or processes
- Your agreement
- Workplace conflict, harassment and bullying
- Policies
- Workers compensation (WorkCover)
- Leave and contract negotiations
- Performance and career development
- Health and safety issues
- Negotiation of individual industrial cases
- Better wages and conditions
Through professional industrial relations representation and collective negotiation during enterprise bargaining, we work to secure the best possible salaries, conditions and entitlements for all Principal Class employees. When APF members stand together, we negotiate from a position of strength and mutual respect.
Beyond wage and condition advocacy, the APF engages with system leaders and policymakers on a range of strategic matters affecting our profession. We are actively involved in consultation with the Minister for Education, senior departmental leadership, and key education stakeholders on reforms that influence performance frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and the overall work environment for school leaders.
I am proud to serve you as your President and to lead an organisation committed to advancing the professional and industrial interests of school leaders. Together, we will continue to shape a sustainable, respected and forward-thinking education leadership profession.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Cock
