TAFE update
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 6, 5 September 2025, page no 26.
EB consultation
The current CQU and TAFE Queensland certified agreements both have a nominal end date of 30 June 2026. The QTU has therefore commenced a period of consultation with members in the TAFE Division in order to prepare for the negotiations that will lead to replacement agreements.
Members in the TAFE Division are therefore encouraged to participate, through their local AEU(Q)/QTU branches, and to propose ideas for improvements of working conditions and remuneration for VET educators in both TAFE Queensland and CQU. These ideas will be collated formally in a document called a log of claims.
The log of claims is a written set of “claims,” or demands, presented to the other side, a list of items we want discussed or improved. It is a set of claims for improving pay or conditions lodged by the Union on behalf of members.
When formal negotiations begin, the unions and employer use the log of claims to catalogue matters that each party advances as the subjects of negotiation. The exchange of logs kicks off the process in earnest, and they are used to set the overarching agenda of the negotiations.
In good faith bargaining, all claims are provided through the logs of claim. New or additional matters are not introduced in the course of negotiations to avoid frustrating the timely outcome.
Consultation with members is currently underway, and is proposed to end in October. At that time, the officers of the Union will formalise the log and seek endorsement from QTU TAFE Council to progress the draft as the Union’s formal position. It is proposed that formal endorsement will be sought at the TAFE Council meeting on 29 November.
Formal bargaining will commence with both CQU and TAFE Queensland no later than 1 April 2026.
TAFE strategy endorsed
At the end of May, TAFE Executive undertook planning of the 2025/2026 QTU TAFE Strategy.
Executive identified the priorities for the TAFE Division for the next 12 months, which are identified under four key headings, with strategies to guide actions and outcomes.
| Priority | Strategy |
| Safe and healthy workplaces |
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| Holding the employer to account |
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| Properly resourced and funded TAFE |
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| Member engagement |
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Enhanced TAFE Division EB branding
Officers have been working with the QTU Communications team and graphic designer to refresh the branding for TAFE and CQU’s EB campaign for 2026.