EB referred to arbitration
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 1, 20 February 2026, page no 11.
On 5 January, the QTU received a Notice of Referral confirming that the matter of our enterprise bargaining negotiations has been referred to arbitration under section 177(2) of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld).
The QTU will now await a series of Directions Orders from the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC). These orders will act as a procedural roadmap that sets out how the arbitration will be conducted, including:
- key dates and timeframes
- documents required to be filed
- material to be exchanged between parties
- when the QTU is required to appear before the QIRC.
Arbitration is a formal legal process. Once a matter proceeds to arbitration, it moves into a formal court setting. Decisions are made by the QIRC based on legislation, evidence, and written and oral submissions, rather than through negotiation between the Union and the employer.
Arbitration is rarely quick. The process involves hearings, written submissions, and deliberation by the Full Bench before reasons and a decision are issued. In some cases, further legal steps may be taken, which can extend timeframes and uncertainty. At this stage, it is likely the matter will be heard towards the end of 2026 or in early 2027.
The matter will be determined by the Full Bench of the QIRC, rather than a single commissioner. This means the outcome is decided collectively by the court. Negotiated changes are no longer part of the process, and all parties are required to comply with the decision. The QTU will apply to the QIRC for an interim wage increase. The government may choose to support or oppose this application.
While the arbitration process is now a legal one, member action remains critically important. Arbitration does not occur in a political vacuum. The decisions and positions taken by governments are influenced by community expectations and public pressure. This is particularly true in electorates held by at-risk LNP and minority party Members of Parliament, where local advocacy can have a meaningful impact.
Members can support the Union by:
- engaging with local MPs and candidates about the real impact of delayed wage outcomes on teachers, school leaders, and students
- participating in QTU-led campaigns and actions as they are rolled out across the state
- talking with colleagues to ensure a shared understanding of what arbitration means and why solidarity remains essential.
The QTU will continue to pursue the strongest possible case before the QIRC while also mobilising members to ensure political decision-makers understand the consequences of their choices.
Members will be kept informed as the arbitration process progresses. Your Union remains committed to transparency, advocacy, and collective action throughout this process. Together, we will continue to stand up for fair pay, secure conditions, and the future of public education in Queensland.