QTU Members' newsflash No. 3-23, 21 April 2023 | Open PDF
TO: QTU MEMBERS
Seeking member views on positive behaviour for learning (PBL) programs, mobile phones and vaping in schools
Welcome back to Term 2. We hope you have enjoyed a relaxing and refreshing break. The QTU is continuing to work productively with the department on a range of matters that members have raised with us during Term 1. We will keep you abreast of developments and the outcomes of these negotiations as they occur. The QTU has also made significant progress in negotiating potential changes to the department’s conflict of interest policy, and QTU Executive will consider these changes when it meets early in the term.
QTU’s Positive Behaviour for Learning Survey – share your views
After extensive feedback from members about an increase in incidents of unacceptable behaviour in school communities, the QTU has developed a survey to help us gauge the efficacy of positive behaviour for learning programs in schools.
We know that many of our members are achieving great outcomes with their local programs, and we recognise the importance of professional autonomy and collaboration in making choices about whole school frameworks. We also understand the critical importance of local context in decision making and the potential problems caused by simply transferring one school’s PBL program to other contexts.
The QTU’s Positive Behaviour for Learning Survey is investigating:
- PBL’s effectiveness in your local context
- PBL and workload
- PBL and professional development
- PBL in your school’s consultation processes.
The survey is also seeking members’ views on specific behaviours regularly raised with the QTU, such as the use of mobile phones in schools and vaping.
The results of the survey will be considered by QTU Executive and reported to Council.
The survey will take approximately ten minutes to complete and will be open from 9am on Friday 21 April until 4pm on Friday 5 May. Click here to start the survey.
Zero tolerance of occupational violence
It is the role of the Department of Education to ensure that members have a safe and healthy workplace. Consequently, the QTU has been campaigning with members to end occupational violence in schools.
Here are the three “Rs” for addressing occupational violence.
- Recognise – occupational violence is any action, incident or behaviour that departs from reasonable conduct in which a person is threatened, harmed or injured by another person during, or as a direct result of, their work.
- Report – incidents or near misses should be reported through the MyHR Work Health and Safety (WHS) Reporting Module and followed up through the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee. Reporting behaviours in OneSchool alone is not sufficient to record WHS incidents properly. It is imperative that the MyHR report be made as a matter of priority – unlike OneSchool, you cannot access MyHR remotely and incidents should be recorded within 24 hours of the event occurring.
- Respond – immediately after a violent incident you should ensure the safety of yourself and others, provide first-aid and arrange necessary medical care, and, where necessary, support the emotional wellbeing of members and students.
Occupational violence is NOT part of the job – there must be a zero-tolerance approach from the department, and schools should be supported to implement this through resourcing and training. Schools wishing to take local action in support of zero tolerance against violence should contact their Organiser to discuss.
Members can access more resources and training on the QTU website.
QSuper class action
The QTU has been receiving a large number of calls from QSuper fund members regarding an email they have received giving notice of a class action against QSuper and an opt-out option.
We have been advised by our lawyers Holding Redlich that if members have any questions, they should contact Shine Lawyers in the first instance to discuss the matter. It is up to individuals to choose whether to stay in the class action or opt-out.
Members seeking more information on the class action can access some frequently asked questions here:
QSuper Class Action | QSuper
Labour Day
This year, when you make plans for the Labour Day weekend, make the choice to march with us as we celebrate our profession and our Union right across the state. As always, we march to demonstrate that the strength of the union movement is unrivalled. When we turn out in our thousands, we are a symbol of the working people of Australia.
In 2023 the QTU’s Labour Day theme is Voice, Treaty and Truth for our First Nations members and students as we head towards the Voice Referendum later this year. Please join us to show your support for your Union and the work of our movement.
Check out our website for the Labour Day event nearest you.
You and the QTU
The QTU works hard to improve your pay and working conditions. When you join the QTU, you become part of a community of 48,000 people, all of whom enjoy the benefits of membership. These include access to:
- advice from QTAD – Queensland Teachers Assist Desk
- advice and assistance from your local QTU Organiser
- legal advice from one of Australia’s best legal assistance services
- industrial training offered by QTEC
- professional development opportunities through QuEST
- TUH, the health fund founded by the Union with union values
- the spending power of the Union Shopper buying service.
Reminder: Union Dues were payable on 31 March. Make sure you visit the myQTU page to update your details, change your direct debits to fortnightly, and stay financial so that you can continue to enjoy all the benefits of QTU membership. |
Brendan Crotty
Acting General Secretary
Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064