State Council Report: 4 March 2023
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128 No 4, 9 June 2023, page no.4
May Council was the first meeting for the new term of elected Council Representatives. Officers from the Electoral Commission of Queensland were also in attendance to conduct ballots for 12 members of QTU Executive, two Trustees and one Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander member of Executive. A number of other ballots were held for various positions, including standing committees.
Winning for members
Delegates heard a presentation about the campaign for a safer workplace at Yarrabilba SS after a number of members at the school lodged WorkCover claims due to occupational violence. QTU members were prepared to take industrial action unless the department urgently addressed the situation. Thanks to their activism, the school gained additional resources, including a full-time WH&S officer. The QTU’s QuEST Officer, Rebecca Hack, provided trauma-informed training on a special student free day won as part of the campaign.
EB update
An update was provided on the implementation schedule for the key elements of the 2022 State School Teachers’ Certified Agreement, including the payment of the cost of living adjustment (COLA), due by the end of August. The QTU called on Treasury to formally announce the percentage of the COLA increase so that the Department of Education can provide advice to members about when the payment will be paid to eligible employees (see pg. 6).
Behaviour management
Delegates were informed that the QTU will be developing a comprehensive strategy to address the increased incidences of occupational violence in schools. The campaign will include MP delegations. Further information about the campaign will be provided in due course.
Biennial Conference
The draft QTU Biennial Conference program and a list of proposed Life Members, were endorsed. Delegates were provided with current 2021-2023 policy and draft 2023-2025 policy on USB devices. Members in branches are encouraged to review the proposed amendments to policy and submit any proposed amendments to the QTU on the official amendment form by 14 June. All amendments to QTU policy will be discussed and debated at the Conference, which will be held on 26-28 June, at Brisbane City Hall.
Other business
Council heard a vale for Central Queensland activist and QTU Life Member Kevin Giles during Sorry Business.
Council delegates discussed positive changes to the department’s Conflict of Interest policy, following extensive QTU intervention, and the QTU’s position on other professional issues, including virtual academies, Equity and Excellence initiatives, V.9 of the Australian Curriculum, and Queensland’s high rate of NAPLAN withdrawal.
Observers from the New Educator Network were in attendance and provided a presentation on their reflections.
The General Secretary presented Highly Commended QCU Labour Day Awards to Lynn Cowie-Mc Alister, the QTU’s Organiser Membership Growth, for the recruitment and retention campaign “Seen, Heard, Felt”, and to Nicole Elkins, for outstanding activist of the year, for her role in the instrumental music instructors campaign.