Permanency begins − a win for AVTs
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 1, 20 February 2026, page no 10.
For too long, advisory visiting teachers (AVTs) have delivered expert support to students with complex and diverse needs while facing deep uncertainty about their own employment futures.
These members have often remained on rolling contracts for years — even decades — despite holding specialist qualifications and playing a critical role in supporting students who require targeted, highly skilled intervention.
However, after sustained advocacy by the Queensland Teachers’ Union, that uncertainty is finally being addressed. In late 2025, the department formally confirmed with the QTU that permanent employment for AVTs would commence through a staged conversion process.
Why this matters
AVTs are not simply “classroom teachers in different roles”. Many hold additional qualifications in fields such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, hearing impairment, autism education, and health sciences. This depth of expertise allows AVTs to work alongside schools and families to tailor adjustments, implement programs, interpret specialist reports and equipment needs, and support complex decision-making around student safety, communication, mobility, and access. Their work has always been specialised. Their employment conditions should now reflect that.
Permanent positions available
The department has confirmed that approximately 88 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions have been allocated for conversion. The first offers have already been issued for 2026, with 27 AVTs moving from temporary to ongoing roles. This initial tranche prioritised long-serving AVTs who have sustained specialist work over many years. Further offers will continue through 2026, eventually converting up to 88 FTES in the cohort.
A collective effort
While AVTs have been raising concerns individually for years, wins of this scale are only achieved when members act collectively and consistently through their Union. This outcome directly reflects the combined voices of AVTs who shared their experiences with the QTU, sought advice, and stood together for recognition of their specialist role.
What’s next?
As offers continue into 2026, AVTs who have questions about their circumstances are encouraged to seek information from their team leader in the first instance. QTU members requiring professional or industrial advice at any stage of the conversion process can contact the Union for support.
| Conversion timelines | ||
| Stage | Timeframe | Who is included |
| Stage 1 | First offers issued for 2026 | Longest-serving AVTs (10+ years) |
| Stage 2 | Throughout 2026 | Further tranches prioritising extended service (generally 5+ years) |
| Stage 3 | By the end of 2026 | Remaining AVTs from the approximate pool of 120 FTE |