Great reasons to be a QTU member (TAFE)

As a Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) member, you belong to the most democratic and representative voice of the teaching profession in Queensland – professionally and industrially. The combined voice of more than 48,000 school teachers and TAFE and Central Queensland University educators is a tremendous force to promote teachers and public education. The decisions are made by practising educators elected to the QTU’s governing bodies, including the TAFE Council and TAFE Executive.

That is what the QTU has been about for over 135 years. The Union makes possible on a grand scale what would not be possible individually.

In 2024, the QTU has continued to work with TAFE Executive and council on implementing the new agreement and the strategy for the TAFE division, including a project for a TAFE information support officer. The Union continued to campaign to protect members rights including staving off attempts to introduce AI for classes and to see the return of TAFE to the public sector.

In 2025, the Union will continue to campaign with the AEU for improved funding for TAFE and commence the claim development process for EB12.

The QTU is proud of a campaigning culture that supports members to act locally on local issues and statewide on state or national issues, as well as the services it provides for individual members, such as:

• expert legal assistance through Holding Redlich Lawyers
• member advice through the Queensland Teachers’ Assist Desk (1300 11 7823)
• information and updates through the QTU Journal, website, newsflashes and social media
• industrial education through the Queensland Teachers’ Education Centre
• member benefits through Teachers Union Health, Union Shopper and Teachers Mutual Bank.
   

In 2025, please make sure you are a QTU member, part of the most democratic and powerful voice for TAFE educators and the public provision of vocational education and training.

​​​​​​​​​​​Kate Ruttiman
General Secretary

November 2024

The benefits of belonging

On 9 January 1889, 23 teachers and principals from schools across the colony of Queensland met in Brisbane to establish the first teachers’ union on this continent – the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU).

Today, more than 48,000 educators in Queensland schools and TAFEs choose to belong to the QTU. 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.

This is something we have done for 135 years, and something that we will continue to do for many more to come.

Respect for the profession

• ongoing campaigns to protect and enhance your rights at work
• safety at work
• professional autonomy
• workload reduction.

Legal assistance

• expert legal advice and assistance from specialists
• free in cases arising from work (NB: You must be a financial member at the time of the incident).

Professional protection

• support and representation to ensure you are fairly treated
• experienced QTU Officers with the expertise you need.

Information and advice

• the Queensland Teachers’ Assist Desk
• www.qtu.asn.au
• the Queensland Teachers’ Journal
• Newsflashes
• the QTU library.

Training and PD

• industrial training from QTEC
• professional development through Quest
• tailored workplace training delivered by QTU Officers at your workplace
• legal seminars provided by education law specialists - Holding Redlich.

Professional representation

• The QTU provides you with a professional voice, representing you:
  • on the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority
  • on the Queensland College of Teachers
  • on the TAFE Consultative Committee
  • nationally, via the Australian Education Union.
• Representing members on the boards of TUH (health fund), Union Shopper and the Australian Retirement Trust (QSuper - superannuation).