2018 teacher transfer appeal process
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 123 No 6, 31 August 2018, page no.21
Each year, QTU members either receive a required transfer that they do not want to accept or have not received a transfer to a requested geographic area and/or region. For both categories, there are appeal processes.
To be successful in appealing a required transfer, whether inter-regional or intra-regional, you must provide evidence that the transfer is unreasonable.
The transfer appeal process
Stage 1 - Discuss your concerns with your principal - this stage of the process can also now include a teleconference with a regional officer, and you can have a union representative or other support person with you. You will receive an email confirming the outcome of this stage of the process.
Stage 2 - You can lodge an appeal with regional office if stage 1 is unsuccessful in resolving the matter.
Stage 3 - There is an external review/appeal stage if stages 1 and 2 do not resolve the appeal.
The timelines are the same for both appeals against transfer and appeals against non-transfer.
Intra-regional transfer appeals
In relation to a transfer to a school within 50 minutes of a teacher’s current residence, the unreasonableness threshold is relatively difficult to attain, as for most teachers a transfer under these circumstances will be considered reasonable. There may be cases where teachers have compassionate circumstances in relation to the health and wellbeing of immediate family members that may limit the travel time due to caring and other responsibilities. In other cases, some teachers may have a limited travel time due to a medical condition. In cases such as these, specific specialist medical and other evidence needs to be provided to the department as part of the appeal process. Hopefully most of these situations can be avoided because during the transfer process in term 2 these teachers should have been advised of the possibility of a transfer and have been provided with an opportunity to provide the department with reasons and the evidence as to why they cannot accept an intra-regional transfer.
Inter-regional transfer appeals
Teachers are generally informed in term two of the department’s intention to transfer them to another region. This usually provides you with an opportunity to provide the department with relevant information and evidence as to why the proposed transfer may be unreasonable. While the grounds that may be relevant may be larger in number than is the case for an intra-regional transfer, significant evidence is required and should be in the form of documentary evidence wherever possible. If you are considering appealing a required inter-regional transfer, you should read the relevant QTU information on the website before contacting the QTU office.
2018 transfer release date
2018 teacher transfers will be released on Thursday 20 September. You will receive an email either outlining a proposed transfer or indicating that a transfer has not yet been granted. If you do not receive a transfer on 20 September, be aware that the department will continue to consider your transfer application up until the end of the school year and during the summer vacation. Members in this situation should contact both the department and the QTU to seek further information and advice about the prospects of transfer before the start of the 2018 school year. In 2017, a significant number of transfers were released after the end of term three.
For details visit www.qtu.asn.au/seek-advice/appealing-transfer-decision and at https://intranet.qed.qld.gov.au/Services/HumanResources/payrollhr/careers/managingyourcareer/teachertransfers/Pages/teachertransferinformationandguidelines.aspx For further information and/or advice about teacher transfer appeals, contact the Queensland Teachers' Assist Desk on 1300 11 7823 or visit www.qtu.asn.au