15 August 2025 | Open PDF
Special school principals take action on unsafe resourcing
On 20 June, more than 35 leaders from Queensland’s 46 state special schools gathered at QTU Milton to confront the growing crisis caused by the 2025 Reasonable Adjustment Resourcing (RAR) model. Principals reported unsafe and unsustainable conditions, significant staff cuts, and a sharp rise in occupational violence and aggression. Preliminary QTU survey data showed a 7.65 per cent drop in overall staffing, despite a 7.44 per cent increase in enrolments — particularly in the most complex categories. Nearly 70 per cent of the 2,856 WHS incidents were linked to violence or aggression.
School leaders endorsed urgent action, including initiating a WHS issues resolution process, removing the “Extensive Plus” enrolment requirement, and demanding immediate resourcing improvements from the department and Minister. Principals committed to recording their own WHS incidents, promoting union membership, holding staff discussions on RAR impacts, and refusing unsafe enrolments. The QTU Executive has endorsed these actions, ensuring continued campaign coordination and further principal update meetings.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) – survey
Schools have been required to report on the NCCD for 15 years. Over time, the process has expanded well beyond its original intent, creating significant and unnecessary workload in many schools. The QTU believes it’s time to scale back and end practices that go beyond the legislative requirements.
Under the new Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (2025–34), governments must work with unions to review the workload impact of national measures like NCCD. This is a key opportunity to influence change — and we need your input.
As NCCD wraps up for the year, please complete our short survey on workload, support, and school practices. Your feedback will directly inform QTU advocacy with state and federal governments.
Complete the survey: https://www.qtu.asn.au/nccd-2025
Draft Restrictive Practices Procedure withdrawn
Following strong QTU advocacy, the Department of Education has withdrawn its draft Restrictive Practices Procedure. While the goal of protecting students’ rights is shared by all, the draft went far beyond its purpose — redefining everyday safety measures as “restrictive practices” and imposing excessive compliance.
Examples included stopping a child from stepping into traffic, keeping a student in the office after a violent incident, or restricting access to a science lab for safety reasons. Under the draft, such actions would have required human rights assessments, multiple plans, and post-incident reviews.
The QTU responded quickly, coordinating member feedback and making it clear the draft was unsafe. The department’s decision to withdraw it is a clear win for members and a reminder of the power of collective action.
The work now shifts to ensuring any new procedure is safe, practical, and respects the professional judgement of teachers and school leaders. Genuine consultation with educators will be critical to getting it right.
Apply now for the 2026 Roselynne Anderson QTU Scholarship
Are you a passionate educator pursuing professional development in special education, school leadership, or women in education?
The QTU is proud to offer scholarships of up to $2,000 per member, with a total pool of up to $6,000, to support further study, training, or PD in these key areas.
To be eligible, applicants must be financial members, undertaking or preparing for relevant PD/training/study, submit an application with supporting documents, and provide a short report on completion.
Applications close: 5pm Tuesday 7 October. Learn more and apply here: www.qtu.asn.au/roselynne-anderson-scholarship
Special school Enrolment Navigators pilot
The Department of Education is trialling an Enrolment Navigator program in three regions, aimed at supporting families of children with disability in navigating the enrolment system. At this stage, it applies only to parents who have enquired about special school enrolment. A seconded departmental officer (“Navigator”) contacts families to discuss enrolment options and, if they are interested, connects them with local primary schools, while supporting them through the process.
While the QTU supports genuine assistance for families, concerns remain about potential pressure on parents, division between schools, and the need to address why families seek special school enrolment. The QTU will continue to seek clarity and monitor the program’s impact. Members with feedback can email services@qtu.asn.au.
Red tape reduction - One-Plan-Per-Student
The Department of Education is exploring a single-plan approach to manage student needs, aiming to reduce duplication and improve information sharing in OneSchool.
The QTU supports genuine workload reduction, but has stressed that this must simplify processes, not merge multiple plans into a larger document. Plans should serve teaching and safety, not become tied to funding or extra admin.
Members are encouraged to share their experiences in Term 3 consultations. The QTU has urged the department to provide sessions outside school hours to allow greater participation. Contact OnePlanOneStudent@qed.qld.gov.au to be involved.
Special Education Committee update
The QTU Special Education Committee met on 4 June to progress key priorities for members working in special education. Discussions focused on the department’s proposed Restrictive Practices Procedure, with concerns raised about human rights assessments, definitions of containment and seclusion, and the need to balance student and staff safety. The Committee also examined the ongoing impacts of the 2025 Reasonable Adjustment Resourcing (RAR) model, predicting significant staffing reductions in special schools, and reaffirmed its commitment to campaigning for safe, well-resourced workplaces. Updates were provided on the Roselyn Anderson Scholarship, recent advocacy with the Minister, and forthcoming campaign resources for members. The next meeting is scheduled for 3 September. Learn more about the Special Education Committee.
Kate Ruttiman Chris Smith
General Secretary A/Assistant Secretary – Industrial and Legal