Members’ voices shape the future of MOAs
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 1, 14 February 2025, page no 6.
In Term 4, the QTU distributed a survey to members covered under a memorandum of agreement (MOA).
These MOAs represent distinct member groups working in unique settings, including:
- outdoor and environmental education centres
- senior guidance officers
- instrumental music teachers/instructors
- regional school sport officers
- youth detention centres
- Queensland academies
- teacher coordination – RATEP.
The survey aimed to provide members with an opportunity to voice their perspectives, ensuring their concerns and priorities are at the forefront as QTU Officers prepare the draft MOA log of claims for negotiations with the Department of Education in 2025.
Insights from the survey
The majority of respondents were classroom-based staff, followed by instrumental music teachers and those at head of department (HOD) level or above. Most participants were covered by the Instrumental Music Teachers MOA, with others representing outdoor and environmental education centres, Queensland academies, and youth detention centres. The smallest proportion of responses came from senior guidance officers, regional school sport officers, and teacher coordination RATEP, reflecting the smaller number of roles in these groups.
It was encouraging to see that most respondents had read their MOA, though there remains room to improve awareness across the board.
Members identified their top three priorities for MOA improvements as:
- workload management
- positions and staffing
- leave entitlements.
In addition to these key areas, the free-text responses highlighted a broad range of issues, including:
regional consultative committees
- workplace safety
- workplace variations
- return to work processes
- support and supervision
- MOA enforcement
- leadership and student behaviour
- redeployment policies
- salary concerns.
These insights provide a valuable snapshot of the challenges and opportunities faced by members across diverse roles and settings.
Looking ahead
The QTU sincerely thanks all members who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback ensures that the unique perspectives of MOA-covered members are well-represented in the forthcoming negotiations. Together, we can work towards MOAs that better support the varied and vital work you do every day.