State Council report: 1 November 2025
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 1, 20 February 2026, page no 4.
Delegates at November Council heard a report on the progress of the EB11 campaign, noting that more than 67 per cent of members had rejected the government’s best and final offer in an online ballot, which closed immediately before Council.
The QTU formally advised the Director General of the outcome of the ballot and acknowledged that arbitration would be the next step. Council resolved to hold another 24-hour stoppage within three weeks on a date to be determined. Council also congratulated all members and employees of the QTU for their ongoing commitment and engagement in the EB campaign.
Penny Taylor was presented with a service award and thanked for her service to the QTU over a 30-year period, during which she has demonstrated unwavering advocacy for educators and First Nations communities.
Kate Kermode was appointed as the Assistant Secretary/Industrial Officer – TAFE, WHS and Specified Sites/Specified Member Cohorts. Kate, a teacher from Lee Street Special School, had been acting in the role for the 12 months before her appointment.
The financial statements for July, August and September were endorsed, as was the draft QTU budget for 2026. The Trustees report provided an update on the properties owned by the QTU.
The Vice-President launched the Expect Respect Vol 2 report, which addresses the persistent and evolving issue of school-related gender-based violence.
The QTU's State Budget Submission for 2026/2027 was forwarded to the Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Education at the end of the year, and then to all politicians in early 2026.
Council acknowledged the activism and persistence of members at WilsontonSS, who campaigned and won a security fencing upgrade that will contribute to a safe learning environment for all staff and students at the school.
Improvements to the support for teacher housing were outlined, including increased funding for local accommodation committee admin assistants, a 12-month pilot of a regional housing coordinator model, the reinstatement of regional housing forms, and an online tenant reporting platform for maintenance issues, all as a result of the advocacy of the QTU’s State Accommodation Committee.
Policy changes relating to the composition of Gandu Jarjum and the Federal Women’s Conference delegation were supported by Council.
The QTU TAFE Division reached a record high of 932 members, the highest since the Newman government reduced the TAFE workforce.
The next meeting of State Council will be held on 7 March.