From the President: Acknowledging our Organisers
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 2, 2 April 2026, page no 7.
With the looming arbitration on top of the regular business-as-usual challenges in our schools, many of us again face key challenges and unique pressures in 2026.
As President, I’m fortunate to travel to our school communities and see first-hand the hard work and individual touch each unique teacher and school leader brings to their roles.
Our QTU Organisers are the key, vital element in facilitating these school visits and meetings, keeping communication channels open between our broader Union and the individual members.
Our Organisers are the Union people who reach out to greet new prospective members, they remember names, and they take an interest in your career and wellbeing.
As we saw through our journey to arbitration, our QTU Organisers go above and beyond in making sure school communities are united, supported and heard.
It takes a special combination of skills and values to be a good Organiser. It’s a role that involves a lot of travel and a lot of phone calls, and requires a heavy dose of empathy, energy, and common sense.
We have 50,000 members across Queensland, and our Organisers are tasked with representing them when they’re needed most. Often there is stress, a crisis to deal with, and a potential fight to be had.
It’s an ongoing cycle of phone calls, emails, high stakes meetings, travel — and repeat.
Our Organisers help raise and escalate the issues affecting members, only to move on to another challenging situation with a moment’s notice.
It’s not a job for the meek.
In simple terms, I want to pay tribute to our Organisers and acknowledge the immensely important role they play in our Union.
When we talk about the strong values that define us as the QTU — values that have been tested over the past 18 months — it’s important to recognise they are lived and employed by our Organisers each and every day.
The QTU prides itself on ensuring every member has a voice, that our democratic processes are accountable and transparent, and that we work together as one for the good of us all.
None of this would happen as it does without the hard work and commitment of our Organisers.
As your President, I thank each and every one of them.