About the QTU
More than 45,000 teachers in the Queensland Government’s primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, colleges and TAFEs choose to belong to the QTU (more than 90 per cent of all teachers, principals and administrators).
We are here to help you in times of difficulty, to negotiate better pay and conditions and to work on your behalf to promote the teaching profession.
The Voice of Teachers
Established in 1889, the QTU has chalked up well over 130 years of achievement in helping teachers throughout Queensland, and is now the voice of more than 46,000 teachers in the Queensland Government's primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, colleges,TAFE institutes and other educational facilities.
The list of vital services which the Union provides for its members includes :
- a legal assistance scheme
- protection and advancement of salaries and industrial conditions
- representation and advocacy on professional issues
- a national voice through the Australian Education Union
- an information and advisory service
- a grievance service
- the Queensland Teachers' Journal, the QTU website (www.qtu.asn.au), and the QTU Facebook page
- Teachers' Union Health
- the Union Shopper.
Operating the Union and its many services is an expensive undertaking. It is important that all eligible teachers join the Union and pay their dues. Every member counts.
A democratic union
Throughout the 130-year life of the QTU, its members have freely chosen and committed to maintaining and renewing a democratic structure.
The Union's democracy has three features: it is representative; it is run by members; and participation is voluntary.
Membership dues
Membership dues are determined by the Constitution and Rules of the Union (member login required for link). The formula for calculating Union dues can only be changed by an amendment to Union Rules.
- For permanent teachers, the dues are 0.72 per cent of annual salary, plus 10 per cent GST.
- While dues are payable on January 1, a 10 per cent discount is given if dues are received on or before March 31.
- The annual salary used to calculate these dues is the salary at October 31 of the previous year.
Rates of pay for your salary classification can be found here
Click on the appropriate link to see membership dues for your sector (schools or TAFE).
History
On 9 January, 1889, 23 teachers and principals from schools across the colony of Queensland met in Brisbane to found the first teachers’ union on this continent.
Today, more than 125 years later, the Queensland Teachers' Union is the most democratic and representative voice of the teaching profession in the state. Representing more than 45,000 teachers in the Queensland Government's primary schools,secondary schools,special schools,senior colleges,TAFE colleges and other educational facilities.
Please browse the pages below for a brief snapshot of our history.
History 1889 to 2018
A brief history of the Queensland Teachers' Union
QTU past campaigns (1989-2014)
A look back by those who lived this history and those responsible for safeguarding its legacy...
Queensland Teachers' Journal 125th Anniversary Special Edition Mar 2014
QTU 1889 - 2014 : A proud past, a bright future
A democratic union
A democratic union
Throughout the 130-year life of the QTU, its members have freely chosen and committed to maintaining and renewing a democratic structure.
The Union's democracy has three features: it is representative; it is run by members; and participation is voluntary.
Code of ethics
Teachers have an important responsibility in guiding their students’ educational and social development.
Therefore, teachers should possess the following attributes:
- social and emotional maturity
- integrity
- breadth and depth of learning
- an understanding of human experience.
The Queensland Teachers’ Union trusts that all members will exemplify this code of ethics in the exercise of their professional duties.
The code
- The primary professional responsibility of teachers is the welfare of all students within their care.
- Teachers shall endeavour to promote such relationships between school and home as will contribute to the welfare and comprehensive development of each student.
- Teachers shall strive to achieve standards of professional conduct and to display attitudes towards their colleagues which will create mutual respect.
- Teachers shall assert their professional, industrial and civil rights and support their colleagues in the defence of these rights.
- Teachers shall strive to fulfil their responsibilities in a manner which will enhance the prestige of their profession.
QTU Policy 2017-19, Booklet H - Professional Development, Page 1..
QTU Constitution and rules
QTU mission, values and objectives
Affiliations
The QTU is not affiliated with any political party, nor does it donate funds to any political parties. Under the QTU Constitution, political party affiliation could only occur after a referendum of all members.
The QTU is affiliated with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU), the peak Australian and Queensland Union bodies. Neither of the bodies is affiliated with, or donates funds to, any political party.
The QTU’s mission is: “to be the most democratic and representative voice of the teaching profession in Queensland on industrial and professional matters, and in support of public education.”
Although this is broad in its scope, the mission outlines the Union’s purpose. The QTU’s values then underpin the way we approach our mission: In its pursuit of members’ interests, the QTU is:
- professional
- courageous
- united
- democratic
- member focused.
The QTU’s Strategic Objectives for 2015-2019, as endorsed by QTU State Council, inform our day to day work with members to improve their working lives and public education in general. Strategic Objective 4 states: 4. Strong influence over the state/federal education/training agenda.
The impact of politics and governments at both state and federal levels on public education, training and teaching is so profound that it simply cannot be ignored.
The QTU does reserve the right to support/oppose (before and during election campaigns) candidates, depending on their attitude and actions in relation to QTU policy positions - in particular public education and industrial relations. This is because decisions which affect QTU members are made by governments via the political process.
The QTU is not affiliated with any political party. The Union will lobby and publicise the views not only of governments, but individual members of parliament and candidates. QTU campaigns will seek to help elect governments and candidates who support teachers, school leaders, TAFE, public schools and workers’ rights.
Inevitably with such a large and diverse membership, not every member will agree with or support the Union’s campaigns when a state or federal election rolls around. However this work is always guided by the mission, values and strategic objectives above.
Over the years there has been plenty of commentary about the lack of diversity in our Parliaments, which had become dominated by lawyers and political staffers. Having teachers and school leaders elected to Parliament definitely adds to the diversity of views and should result in better policy outcomes.
The election of QTU members has not seen any special access for your Union, but has led to greater respect for the profession and genuine consultation across government about key issues that impact upon schools, TAFE and the work of our members. The QTU always allocates campaign resources, including employee time, to achieve the most efficient and effective result while maintaining all other core business and services to members.
The Union will assess the policies of the major parties and candidates and align any of our campaigns in the context of our mission, values and strategy above. This may include member surveys, member to member phone calls and other direct campaigning in electorates where candidates sign a pledge to support key issues the Union determines are important to supporting our members in state schools and TAFE.
Members who don’t want such contact can register for no political contact by sending an email to the General Secretary at qtu@qtu.asn.au
As a state registered union for which the state government plays the dual role of employer and regulator, it is even more critical that we scrutinise the policies of current and prospective governments, particularly in areas of education, training and industrial relations.
AEU(Q) branch notices
AEU(Q) Branch notices
Questions regarding the AEU(Q) Branch can be sent to qtu@qtu.asn.au or you can call 07 3512 9000.
May 2019 : Australian Education Union – Queensland Branch E2019/15 Post Election Notice
A copy of the post election notice is available on request.
Mar 2019 : Australian Education Union – Queensland Branch E2018/274 Post Election Notice
A copy of the post election notice is available on request.
January 2018 : Australian Education Union - Queensland Branch E2018/217 Post Election Notice
A copy of the post election notice is available on request
December 2018 : Australian Education Union - Queensland Branch E2018/195 Post election notice
A copy of the post election notice is available on request.
October 2017 : Australian Education Union - Queensland Branch E2017/170 Post election notice
A copy of the post election notice is available on request.
January 2017 : AEU Qld Branch positions E2016/235
Declaration of results (member access only)
July 2016: National Early Childhood Committee (General Division) Member
Declaration of results (member access only)
Feb 2016 : AEU Qld Branch Executive - E2015/260
Post - election report (member access only)
January 2016 : AEU Qld Branch Election - Queensland Branch Yalukit Yulendj (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee) (TAFE Division) Member - - E2015/262 (closed 3 Feb 2016)
22 October 2015 : AEU Scheduled Qld Branch Election Notice - Branch Councillors - E2015/220
A copy of the post-election report is available to members on request
22 December 2014 : AEU Scheduled Qld Branch Executive Election - E2014/226
A copy of the post-election report is available to members on request
13 May 2014 : AEU Queensland Branch Councillor Casual Vacancy - E2014/99
A copy of the post-election report is available to members on request
7 April 2014 : AEU. Queensland Branch : National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education Committee member
Declaration of results for uncontested offices | A copy of the post-election report is available to members on request
12 February 2014 : Australian Education Union – Queensland Branch Office Holder Election - E2013/290
A copy of the post election report is available upon request.
22 January 2014 : Australian Education Union – Scheduled Queensland Branch Councillor Election - E2013/303
A copy of the post-election report is available on request.
16 December 2013 : Rules amendment
The Queensland Branch of the Australian Education Union [AEU(Q) Branch], has lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission [FWC] to alter the AEU(Q) Branch rules.
A copy of the proposed rule amendments are available from the AEU(Q) Branch on request.
Financial statements
Financial statements
2018
Financial statements are now available for viewing by QTU members (login required).
- QTU financial statements 2018 (member access only)
- AEU Qld Branch financial statments 2018 (member access only)
2017
Financial statements for the Queensland Teachers' Union of Employees:
2016
Financial statements for the Queensland Teachers’ Union of Employees:
2015
-
Financial statements for the Queensland Teachers’ Union of Employees:
- QTU financial statements 2015 (Appendix A)
- AEU Qld Branch financial statements 2015
2014
- QTU financial statements 2014 (Appendix A)
- AEU Qld Branch financial statements 2014 (member only access)
Note: The Australian Education Union (Queensland Branch) does not include certain information in the Attachment A. If you want to see the full version please request a copy by writing to the AEU(Q)Branch Secretary - 1 July 2014
2013
Industrial Relations Act 2016 requirements.
The Queensland Government has introduced a number of changes in the Industrial Relations Act 2016 which has reduced the number of Registers and Statements previously required to be published under the old Act (the Industrial Relations Act 1999).
Whilst we are no longer required to publish those politically-motivated Registers and Statements, it is important to note that the QTU was, and remains, an open, well-run and accountable organisation dedicated to ensuring that its members’ funds were spent properly and in the interest of state school teachers and principals across Queensland.
We will continue to publish our Financial Disclosure Statements and Financial Accounts as per below.
Financial policies and registers
Financial policies and registers
In accordance with the new Act we will continue to maintain
- financial policies covering
- decision making,
- authorisations,
- credit card usage,
- contracting,
- travel and accommodation,
- entertainment and hospitality,
- gifts and financial complaints
- together with registers covering
- financial management training,
- gifts and hospitality given or received,
- material interests,
- highest paid officers remunerations and
- loans and grants.
All of these policies and registers are and will be available for the inspection by the Industrial Registrar and or other authorised personnel in accordance with the new Act.
Audit Committee
Audit Committee
The Union has an Audit Committee that examines the accounts and seeks explanations of anything unexpected or potentially irregular. That Committee comprises the Senior Officers of the QTU, a member of the QTU Executive and an independent member with accounting qualifications.
The monthly accounts are scrutinised by the elected Executive and State Council. The accounts of the QTU are also audited annually by one of the big four accounting firms, Ernst and Young, whose “best practice” recommendations for improvement have always been implemented.
Credit cards
Credit cards
Union Officers issued credit cards for work purposes must abide by a policy which defines the legitimate uses of Union-issued credit cards. They must account for their credit card use monthly, and a Senior Officer must verify that this use is in accordance with the policy.
Credit card use is also monitored in the Finance and Corporate Services area of the Union.
Acknowledging Traditional Owners
The QTU has offices across Queensland, and acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which these offices stand. It also encourages all of its branches and committees to acknowledge the traditional owners of the areas in which they meet.
This acknowledgement recognises the unique position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people in Australian culture, history, and as the original owners of the land. It is important that this unique position is recognised and incorporated into official protocol to enable the wider community to share in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and facilitate better relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples, and the wider community.
Suggested acknowledgements
The Union suggests that members use one of the following when starting a meeting.
“In opening this [name of meeting] we acknowledge the original people on whose land this meeting takes place and pay our respects to the traditional owners, the [name of the group] people.”
or
“We acknowledge the traditional custodians, the [name of the group] people, and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia. We must always remember that under the concrete and asphalt, the land, sea, and waterways were, and always will be, traditional Indigenous land.”
Our vision
Our vision for reconciliation is for a society that respects, protects and promotes the rights of all, and in which Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians live and work together with mutual respect and understanding, free from discrimination and harassment.
As the union for Queensland public school and TAFE teachers and school leaders, we recognise the unique role our schools and educational institutions have in achieving this vision.
In the QTU
Gandu Jarjum is the QTU’s committee for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. It reviews relevant QTU policies and provides feedback and suggestions. There is a designated position on QTU Executive, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members are prioritised on QTU committees. The QTU was one of the first education unions to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan. The QTU’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educators Network gives members information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and current issues.
Who's who in the QTU 2019
Who's who in the QTU 2019
Awards, scholarships and prizes (2018)
Rosemary Richards scholarship for 2018 (closes 11 May)
DoE: The Jack Pizzey Awards for Excellence in Educational Leadership
Council - Conference
Council and Conference
State Council (meeting four times a year) and Conference (once every two years - the next being in 2019) are the supreme decision making bodies of the Union. Each branch and Area Council throughout the state is represented, as are TAFE members.
2019 Council, TAFE Council and Conference dates
- 9 March - State Council
- 16 March - TAFE Council
- 18 May - State Council
- 1 June - TAFE Council
- 1-3 July - Biennial State Conference
- 17 August - TAFE Council
- 24 August - State Council
- 2 November - State Council
- 16 November - TAFE Council
Reslutions from meetings of State Council
Note : these documents have member-only access
Workplace List
Committees
The QTU has many standing committees consisting of fInancial members of the QTU. The current Standing Committees of the Union are:
- Education Leaders
- Gandu Jarjum
- Professional Issues
- Working Conditions
- Special Education
- State Accommodation
- Women Teachers & Girls Education
Members wishing to nominate for a position on any of these committees should complete Form E below.
Nomination for Union Standing Committees: Form E
QTU Policy
QTU policy is determined by Conference and shall only be varied by a subsequent Conference or a subsequent Council where at that Council policy is varied by a 2/3 majority of Councillors present and voting thereon.
Booklet A - QTU structure, procedures and services
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet B - Buildings, facilities and supplies
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet C - Curriculum
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet D - Class sizes and staffing
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet E - Working conditions
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet F - Funding and organisation of education
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet G - Social and environmental issues
QTU policy 2017-2019 - as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet H - Professional development
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet I - English as a second language
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet J - Special education
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet K - TAFE
QTU policy 2017-2019 - as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet L - Women education workers
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet M - Information and communication technology in education
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
Booklet N - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and training
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017 and November State Council 2017
Booklet O - Education leaders
QTU policy 2017-19, as adopted by QTU Biennial Conference 2017
QTU POLICY - Full set