AEU Federal Women’s Conference 2026

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 7, 2 October 2026, page no.23

Union women from across Australian schools and TAFE have gathered in Melbourne to build solidarity, develop shared strategies, and shape a collective path forward. Here, QTU delegates share some of their highlights.

“Monash University’s Dr Stephanie Wescott and Professor Steven Roberts launched Duty of Care: Teachers’ Experiences of Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual Harassment in Australian Schools. Their research findings highlight the increasing impact of the manosphere and the systemic barriers to acknowledging and addressing gendered violence. The report and its recommendations reinforce the need to recognise sexism, misogyny, and sexual harassment as WHS issues, not simply as a part of teaching. Dr Wescott reflected on the culture of silence that broadly exists within schools and across Australian society. Even when teachers are not explicitly silenced, she said, their experiences are minimised through doubt, questioning, and continual demands for more evidence. Incidents are often treated as isolated events rather than symptoms of a broader systemic issue.” 
Elizabeth Gee 

“Organising for AEU Women brought together a panel that included Acting QTU First Nations Officer Cassandra Ketchell, who told a packed room ‘I just love my community’ as she reflected on what living in Tully in Far North Queensland means to her, along with the unique challenges that exist in regional settings. Joining Cassandra on the panel were Victorian, New South Wales, and Tasmanian women, each sharing stories to highlight the importance of strong connections for union growth and meaningful change. Representing Queensland, Cassandra said we encourage women to join our union community and be part of ‘the deadliest union ever’. Perfectly put!” 
Moira McCole

“Coinciding with the first day was Wear It Purple Day, with Mel Smith, Deputy Secretary (Operations) NSW Teachers Federation, explaining this year’s theme, Colours of Courage. It recognised and celebrated the diverse identities, lived experiences, and everyday acts of courage demonstrated by LGBTQIA+SB young people and their allies. This student-led initiative aims to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and strengthen a culture of respect, acceptance, and belonging. It provides an important opportunity for school communities to recognise diversity, challenge discrimination and affirm the value, dignity, and wellbeing of every young person.” 
Toni Filewood

“The ACTU’s Indigenous Officer, Lara Watson, presented Solidarity in Action, speaking passionately about institutionalised racism and its existence for hundreds of years, shaping and contributing to the racism we see today. She challenged us that racism is defined as ‘prejudice plus power’ and that there is always a pattern — who is listened to, who is protected, and who is constantly expected to prove themselves? Lara described racism as an epidemic that exists within our systems, calling on us to seek to change that system, not simply expect individuals to navigate alone. She reminded us that if we don’t feel uncomfortable in our allyship, then we’re probably doing it wrong. Allyship requires us to step up, take some of the blows, and act as shields for our colleagues, friends, students, and their families when they experience racism. Public education, Lara reminded us, is not neutral ground. It can reproduce inequality, or it can empower people to recognise, challenge, and resist.” 
Amanda Power  

“Claire Middlemas, Executive Officer of Union Aid Abroad APHEDA, highlighted its commitment to global justice through solidarity, respect, equality, and justice, with women’s leadership and women’s rights at its centre. Speaking on behalf of the trade union movement, Middlemas reaffirmed support for strengthening its key campaigns, saying APHEDA’s ethos continues to drive collective action and international solidarity for workers and communities facing injustice through a shared understanding.” 
Peta Bosomworth

“AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe urged support for the Schools for our Future inquiry, highlighting that state schools deserve the same libraries, technology spaces, and modern infrastructure that exists in private schools across the country. As Correna put it, there is no excuse for failing to properly fund classrooms and facilities to meet the needs of every child. How are we expected to teach 21st Century learners if we don’t have the infrastructure to match?” 
Joanne Seward