2 December 2025 | Open PDF

Enforceable undertaking

Dear colleagues,

You may have seen media reports regarding the enforceable undertaking signed by the AEU in relation to the conduct of elections by the Australian Education Union, Queensland Branch (AEU(Q)).

I want to assure you that I have accepted responsibility for the matter, as it falls under my remit according to the rules. The issue has been investigated as detailed in the enforceable undertaking. For more than 20 years, detailed procedures have operated effectively.

The strategies contained in the enforceable undertaking provided to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) will address the breakdown in our processes and ensure compliance. We are fully capable of implementing these requirements, and I do not believe fines or civil penalties will arise, despite some local media reporting.

Importantly, this breakdown has had minimal impact on the way the QTU has represented members. Decisions on EB and other key issues have continued to be made by the properly elected and constituted QTU bodies — the QTU State Council, Executive, and Senior Officers. Representation of QTU/AEU(Q) members at national bodies such as the Federal Executive has been carried out by our duly elected representatives.

Nevertheless, this issue is significant and will be resolved through the strategies in the enforceable undertaking to ensure full compliance with both federal and state law.

 

Kate Ruttiman
Branch Secretary (AEUQ)