QTU Reps
The Union Rep is usually the first point of contact for members with the QTU. Union Reps (also known as workplace reps) are serving teachers elected by their colleagues to represent the Union in the workplace. They provide advice and support, organise local campaigns, arrange workplace meetings and recruit new members. There are also Lead Union Reps, who are trained to assist QTU Organisers, and Principal Union Reps, who provide a school leader perspective on education and industrial issues.
Branches and Area Councils
QTU members in every school in a given area belong to the local branch. This branch, in turn, has representation at a regional level on an Area Council, which is represented on Council and Conference and can bring issues forward for debate.
Council and Conference
State Council (meeting four times a year) and Conference (once every two years) are the supreme decision making bodies of the Union. Each branch and Area Council throughout the state is represented, as are TAFE members.
The Trustees
The four QTU Trustees are members appointed by State Council to manage the Union’s capital investments.
Louise Nicholls is a classroom teacher at Crestmead State School. Louise was elected as Trustee in 2026.
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Louise Nicholls is a classroom teacher at Crestmead State School. Louise was elected as Trustee in 2026.
Ms Rathmell is a Head of the Bunya Campus of Dalby State High School. Anne was first elected as a Trustee in 2015.
Anne Rathmell
Ms Rathmell is a Head of the Bunya Campus of Dalby State High School. Anne was first elected as a Trustee in 2015.
Ms Swadling is principal at the Charleville School of Distance Education. Formerly a Trustee from 2009-2015, Jenny was re-elected in 2024.
Jenny Swadling
Ms Swadling is principal at the Charleville School of Distance Education. Formerly a Trustee from 2009-2015, Jenny was re-elected in 2024.
Mr Thompson is the principal of Whitfield State School. Matt was elected as a trustee in 2026.
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Mr Thompson is the principal of Whitfield State School. Matt was elected as a trustee in 2026.
The Executive
The QTU Executive consists of the Senior Officers, along with 14 serving teachers, including a First Nations representative and a member from the TAFE Division, all elected by State Council and/or TAFE Council. It manages Union affairs between State Council meetings. Its members chair and occupy positions on many Union committees and outside bodies.
Maika is an inclusion teacher at Benowa SS. She has served as a Lead Union Rep, Branch President, Area Council President, Council Delegate, Anna Stewart Memorial Project Recipient, WTGEC member and Acting Logan Redlands Organiser.
Maika Bailey
Maika is an inclusion teacher at Benowa SS. She has served as a Lead Union Rep, Branch President, Area Council President, Council Delegate, Anna Stewart Memorial Project Recipient, WTGEC member and Acting Logan Redlands Organiser.
A primary school teacher, Lisa is a member of the QTU Women Teachers and Girls Education Committee (WTGEC) the Working Conditions Committee and the Special Education Committee.
Lisa Broadhurst
A primary school teacher, Lisa is a member of the QTU Women Teachers and Girls Education Committee (WTGEC) the Working Conditions Committee and the Special Education Committee.
Nicole is head of department (curriculum) at Robina State School. She serves on Working Conditions and the Instrumental Music Reference Committees, the P-6 Specialist Music Advisory Group and the Instrumental Music Special Interest Group.
Nicole Elkins
Nicole is head of department (curriculum) at Robina State School. She serves on Working Conditions and the Instrumental Music Reference Committees, the P-6 Specialist Music Advisory Group and the Instrumental Music Special Interest Group.
Shane is Deputy Principal at Fernbrooke State School in Ipswich. He has taught in many education contexts around Queensland and internationally. Shane chairs the Pride Committee and has acted as Assistant Secretary – Education Leaders.
Shane Hancock
Shane is Deputy Principal at Fernbrooke State School in Ipswich. He has taught in many education contexts around Queensland and internationally. Shane chairs the Pride Committee and has acted as Assistant Secretary – Education Leaders.
Liam is a head of department at Harristown SHS, Branch Secretary and Lead Union Rep. He is a member of the Appointments Committee and Professional Issues Committee.
Liam Holcombe
Liam is a head of department at Harristown SHS, Branch Secretary and Lead Union Rep. He is a member of the Appointments Committee and Professional Issues Committee.
Cassandra is a Head of Department at Thuringowa State High School and is a member of North Queensland Area Council and Women Teachers & Girls Education Committee.
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Cassandra is a Head of Department at Thuringowa State High School and is a member of North Queensland Area Council and Women Teachers & Girls Education Committee.
Tom, a deputy principal at Ferny Grove SS, was first elected to Executive in 2020. He is the Co-Chair of the Reconciliation Action Team, a Principal Rep, and a member of the Awards Committee.
Tom McCartney
Tom, a deputy principal at Ferny Grove SS, was first elected to Executive in 2020. He is the Co-Chair of the Reconciliation Action Team, a Principal Rep, and a member of the Awards Committee.
Natalie is the chair of the Professional Issues Committee and is a member of WTGEC, Working Conditions, Appointments and Agenda Committee. Natalie served as the state schools elected representative of the QCT Board for over 6 years.
Natalie Montague-Clarke
Natalie is the chair of the Professional Issues Committee and is a member of WTGEC, Working Conditions, Appointments and Agenda Committee. Natalie served as the state schools elected representative of the QCT Board for over 6 years.
Janet has more than 30 years' experience across primary, secondary and special education in the UK and QLD. Janet is the Hervey Bay Branch President, Wide Bay Area Council Vice President, State Council Rep, Principal Union Rep, and a member of the Ed Leaders and Special Ed Committees.
Janet Ong
Janet has more than 30 years' experience across primary, secondary and special education in the UK and QLD. Janet is the Hervey Bay Branch President, Wide Bay Area Council Vice President, State Council Rep, Principal Union Rep, and a member of the Ed Leaders and Special Ed Committees.
Amanda is a Djaara and Bangarang woman. She is the chair of Gandu Jarjum and started teaching in Gladstone in 1997. Presently, Amanda is an inclusion teacher.
Amanda Power
Amanda is a Djaara and Bangarang woman. She is the chair of Gandu Jarjum and started teaching in Gladstone in 1997. Presently, Amanda is an inclusion teacher.
Tony is an Industrial Technology teacher who has taught across diverse educational settings. He serves the QTU as a Lead Union Rep, Kawana Branch President, Sunshine Coast Area Council President and State Council Rep.
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Tony is an Industrial Technology teacher who has taught across diverse educational settings. He serves the QTU as a Lead Union Rep, Kawana Branch President, Sunshine Coast Area Council President and State Council Rep.
Scott, the TAFE representative on Executive, is an LVT responsible for CERT II (Career Start Schools) and CERT III Electrotechnology at TAFE Queensland Skillstech Bracken Ridge, where he has taught since 2007.
Scott Tibaldi
Scott, the TAFE representative on Executive, is an LVT responsible for CERT II (Career Start Schools) and CERT III Electrotechnology at TAFE Queensland Skillstech Bracken Ridge, where he has taught since 2007.
Jade is a Deputy Principal at Nanango SHS, on Wakka Wakka country. She has experience across a diverse range of rural, remote and metropolitan contexts. Jade is a member of the State Accommodation Committee, Wide Bay Area Council and chairs the WHS Committee.
Jade Wager
Jade is a Deputy Principal at Nanango SHS, on Wakka Wakka country. She has experience across a diverse range of rural, remote and metropolitan contexts. Jade is a member of the State Accommodation Committee, Wide Bay Area Council and chairs the WHS Committee.
TAFE Executive
QTU TAFE Executive consists of the Vice-President (as the Chair), the Deputy General Secretary (Member Organising) and six members of elected by and from TAFE Council. TAFE Executive takes carriage of TAFE and Central Queensland University matters between meetings of TAFE Council and provides recommendations to QTU Executive regarding TAFE Division matters. The QTU TAFE Organiser, TAFE Industrial Officer and the TAFE Information Support Officer attend the meetings as ex-officio members providing reports and updates on TAFE/CQU matters.
Andy is a qualified Secondary / VET Teacher employed as a Metal/ Fabrication Teacher with CQU at Emerald Campus, delivering Cert II & III programs on Campus and in Schools. Andy has taught since 2005, after 15 years in a variety of facets of the Engineering Fabrication Trade.
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Andy is a qualified Secondary / VET Teacher employed as a Metal/ Fabrication Teacher with CQU at Emerald Campus, delivering Cert II & III programs on Campus and in Schools. Andy has taught since 2005, after 15 years in a variety of facets of the Engineering Fabrication Trade.
Eloise Brock is an experienced educator and union leader who has served in a range of rep roles, including Workplace Rep, Lead Union Rep, TAFE Council Rep, State Council Rep and National TAFE Council Delegate. She is dedicated to strong member engagement, genuine consultation, rebuilding with TAFE, and ensuring educators’ voices are heard and respected.
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Eloise Brock is an experienced educator and union leader who has served in a range of rep roles, including Workplace Rep, Lead Union Rep, TAFE Council Rep, State Council Rep and National TAFE Council Delegate. She is dedicated to strong member engagement, genuine consultation, rebuilding with TAFE, and ensuring educators’ voices are heard and respected.
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Suewellyn Kelly is an educator at the Mackay City Campus of CQUniversity. Suewellyn is a member of the TAFE Executive, TAFE Council, is the Mackay union rep and also the Mackay Women’s Contact.
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Suewellyn Kelly is an educator at the Mackay City Campus of CQUniversity. Suewellyn is a member of the TAFE Executive, TAFE Council, is the Mackay union rep and also the Mackay Women’s Contact.
Scott is an LVT responsible for CERT II (Career Start Schools) and CERT III Electrotechnology at TAFE Queensland Skillstech Bracken Ridge, where he has taught since 2007.
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Scott is an LVT responsible for CERT II (Career Start Schools) and CERT III Electrotechnology at TAFE Queensland Skillstech Bracken Ridge, where he has taught since 2007.
Trish Walker is a Leading Vocational Teacher at Pimlico Campus and has been a member of TAFE Council representing Townsville Branch for over 7 years.
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Trish Walker is a Leading Vocational Teacher at Pimlico Campus and has been a member of TAFE Council representing Townsville Branch for over 7 years.
Senior Officers
The QTU's Senior Officers all have a teaching background. The President, Vice-President and Honorary Vice-President are elected by the members. They preside at meetings of Executive, Council and Conference and are responsible for the implementation of their decisions. They also handle media and community relations. The General Secretary and two Deputy General Secretaries are elected by State Council and have primary responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the Union.
Cresta, who became QTU President in 2021, has been a primary classroom teacher, acting deputy principal and head of curriculum. She has also served as Vice-President and a QTU Trustee.
Cresta Richardson
Cresta, who became QTU President in 2021, has been a primary classroom teacher, acting deputy principal and head of curriculum. She has also served as Vice-President and a QTU Trustee.
Leah started teaching in 1997 as a music specialist and taught in Wide Bay, Redlands, Logan and Cairns. She was elected Vice-President in 2021.
Leah Olsson
Leah started teaching in 1997 as a music specialist and taught in Wide Bay, Redlands, Logan and Cairns. She was elected Vice-President in 2021.
Ms Ruttiman was elected General Secretary in 2021. Her Union career began in 1997 when she was appointed Sunshine Coast Organiser, and she became one of the Union’s Industrial Advocates in 2001, and Deputy General Secretary in 2010. She was formerly an economics and English teacher in Middlemount, Kenmore and Lowood.
Kate Ruttiman
Ms Ruttiman was elected General Secretary in 2021. Her Union career began in 1997 when she was appointed Sunshine Coast Organiser, and she became one of the Union’s Industrial Advocates in 2001, and Deputy General Secretary in 2010. She was formerly an economics and English teacher in Middlemount, Kenmore and Lowood.
Originally a manual arts teacher, Mr Crotty was elected Deputy General Secretary in 2016. He was previously a QTU Organiser for almost 15 years, first for South Queensland and then for Brisbane South. He has taught in Tambo, Charleville and Park Ridge.
Brendan Crotty
Originally a manual arts teacher, Mr Crotty was elected Deputy General Secretary in 2016. He was previously a QTU Organiser for almost 15 years, first for South Queensland and then for Brisbane South. He has taught in Tambo, Charleville and Park Ridge.
Paige’s activism began as a beginning teacher in Far North Queensland, where she campaigned on local issues including teacher accommodation and the Your Rights @ Work campaign. Before joining the QTU, she spent 16 years as a teacher and Head of Department (Maths and Science) in Far North Queensland.
Paige Bousen
Paige’s activism began as a beginning teacher in Far North Queensland, where she campaigned on local issues including teacher accommodation and the Your Rights @ Work campaign. Before joining the QTU, she spent 16 years as a teacher and Head of Department (Maths and Science) in Far North Queensland.
Leah Mertens was appointed Deputy General Secretary in 2021. She was formerly QTU Assistant Secretary - Professional Issues.
Leah Mertens
Leah Mertens was appointed Deputy General Secretary in 2021. She was formerly QTU Assistant Secretary - Professional Issues.
Josh is a deputy principal at Noosa District SHS who has taught in both rural and metropolitan schools. Josh has acted in the QTU Organiser and Industrial Advocate roles.
Josh Cleary
Josh is a deputy principal at Noosa District SHS who has taught in both rural and metropolitan schools. Josh has acted in the QTU Organiser and Industrial Advocate roles.
The Secretariat
These Brisbane-based officers, again all from a teaching background, provide advice on specific areas of expertise and respond to general enquiries from members. They provide advice to Senior Officers, Executive, Council and Conference, as well as representing the Union in negotiations.
Assistant Secretary Legal Officer
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Assistant Secretary Legal Officer
First Nations Officer
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First Nations Officer
Assistant Secretary Research Officer (acting)
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Assistant Secretary Research Officer (acting)
Women's Officer & Social Welfare Issues
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Women's Officer & Social Welfare Issues
Industrial Advocate
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Industrial Advocate
Education Leaders Officer
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Education Leaders Officer
Industrial/Legal Officer (acting)
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Industrial/Legal Officer (acting)
Member Support Officer
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Member Support Officer
Industrial Officer
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Industrial Officer
Project Officer QuEST
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Project Officer QuEST
Industrial Advocate (acting)
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Industrial Advocate (acting)
Industrial Research Officer
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Industrial Research Officer
Project Officer Arbitration
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Project Officer Arbitration
Assistant Secretary Research Officer
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Assistant Secretary Research Officer
Organisers
There are 14 Regional Organisers and a Membership Growth Organiser to serve members across the state. All former teachers themselves, they attend branch meetings where possible, liaise with district offices and take up members' concerns with departmental representatives and administrators.
TAFE/CQU Organiser (acting)
TAFE/CQU Organiser (acting)
Gold Coast Organiser (acting)
Gold Coast Organiser (acting)
Far North Queensland Organiser
Far North Queensland Organiser
Metropolitan West Logan Organiser
Metropolitan West Logan Organiser
Central Queensland Organiser
Central Queensland Organiser
Metropolitan North Organiser
Metropolitan North Organiser
North Queensland Organiser
North Queensland Organiser
WHS Organiser (acting)
WHS Organiser (acting)
Logan Redlands Organiser (acting)
Logan Redlands Organiser (acting)
Metropolitan Central Organiser
Metropolitan Central Organiser
Sunshine Coast Organiser (acting)
Sunshine Coast Organiser (acting)
South Queensland Organiser
South Queensland Organiser
Metropolitan South Organiser
Metropolitan South Organiser
Wide Bay Organiser
Wide Bay Organiser