Behind the scenes: Shadowing a QTU Organiser
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 7, 3 October 2025, page no 25.
QTU TAFE activists Ola Pak and Troy Hall recently had a chance take a peep behind the scenes at the QTU, spending a day shadowing TAFE Organiser David Terauds. This is what they found...
Ola Pak
Throughout the day, I observed David’s involvement in a wide range of activities, from Executive meetings, member support and Union Rep training to writing papers (plus some impressive precision driving in heavy traffic!). I also gained an insight into Union processes, as well as the financial and procedural mechanisms that keep everything running. The scale and complexity of David’s role is truly remarkable.
David was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. He answered many of my questions and, through thoughtful conversation, helped me reframe my view of TAFE. I have come to see it not as a monolithic, anti-spirited organisation, but as a system shaped by inconsistencies, incompetencies, and, more often than not, human error. One phrase in particular struck me: “Play the ball, not the people.” That was the moment the penny finally dropped.
Another line that stayed with me was: “Leaders build leaders, not followers.” I have already shared my insights with our South Bank Branch Reps, and it directly shaped how we ran our next branch meeting. We focused on celebrating Union successes and commitments, reaffirming our efforts around NAT and EB bargaining, and encouraging local action. The meeting also triggered many great ideas around attracting new members, issuing a local newsletter, organising specific interests’ events/groups, and many more.
Most importantly, I would like to thank David for his unwavering embodiment of the spirit of unionism. His dedication, inclusive practices and fierce commitment to every matter reminded me why this work truly matters.
The work shadowing experience has profoundly shifted my perspective and will undoubtedly shape my role as South Bank Branch President. I’m truly grateful for the insight and inspiration, and I look forward to more opportunities in the future.
Troy Hall
The experience was nothing short of eye-opening. What began as a simple observational exercise quickly evolved into a deep dive into the intricate machinery that keeps institutions like TAFE and Central Queensland University (CQU) running.
As we moved through meetings, site visits, and conversations with educators and administrators, I began to grasp just how many moving parts there are within TAFE and CQU. These institutions are far more than classrooms and campuses; they are complex ecosystems involving policy, funding, staffing, industrial relations, and student support. Each decision, each negotiation, and each initiative has ripple effects that touch countless lives.
Dave’s role as a Union Organiser is multifaceted. He’s a negotiator, a listener, a strategist, and often a bridge between educators and leadership. Watching him navigate these roles with clarity and purpose was inspiring. He doesn’t just advocate — he empowers. He ensures that voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and that the values of fairness and equity remain central to every conversation.
What stood out most was the genuine collaboration between the QTU and its members. The Union isn’t just a representative body — it’s a community built on trust, transparency, and shared purpose.
In the end, shadowing Dave wasn’t just about learning what a Union Organiser does — it was about understanding the broader landscape of education in Queensland. It was about seeing the gears turn behind the scenes and appreciating the dedication of those who keep them moving. And most importantly, it was about recognising the power of trust and the importance of being part of something bigger than oneself.
The fact that I was invited to witness this process firsthand speaks volumes about the QTU’s commitment to openness and its belief in developing future leaders who understand the full picture.