Unions release joint PTT statement
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 7, 2 October 2026, page no.6
The Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) and the Independent Education Union — Queensland and Northern Territory Branch (IEU-QNT) have released a Joint Position Statement: Industrial Guidelines for Permission to Teach (PTT) Employees, establishing the first shared union position on minimum pay, conditions, and support arrangements for staff employed under PTT approvals.
The guidelines come in response to the rapid growth in the use of PTT arrangements across Queensland. Queensland College of Teachers data shows that 1,294 PTT approvals were granted in 2024, rising to 1,325 in 2025. The vast majority of those approved were initial teacher education students working towards full teacher registration.
While PTT has become an important pathway into the profession and a valuable staffing mechanism for schools, union research and member feedback identified significant variation in the employment arrangements offered to PTT employees across the state and sectors. Reports from members highlighted inconsistencies in salary classification, workload, release time, mentoring, and professional support.
Recognising the need for greater clarity and consistency, the QTU and IEU-QNT worked together with stakeholders across the sector to develop a practical set of industrial expectations that can be used by employees, employers, universities, and unions. The guidelines are intended to support enterprise bargaining, local consultation, and dispute resolution processes, while complementing existing industrial agreements and awards.
At the heart of the document is a simple principle: if PTT employees are expected to undertake teaching responsibilities while completing their studies, they must receive the professional and industrial support they need to succeed. The statement outlines union recommendations in areas including salary classification, progression through salary scales, induction, reduced teaching loads, mentoring, practicum support, and access to leave provisions comparable to those available to registered teachers. The guidelines also recognise that many PTT employees are balancing teaching with university study and practicum requirements.
For associate members employed under PTT arrangements, the document provides a valuable advocacy tool. Members can use the guidelines when discussing contracts, workload, mentoring, practicum arrangements, and other employment conditions with their employer. Workplace Representatives can also draw on the statement when advocating for fair and consistent treatment of PTT employees.
The statement is a significant achievement. By establishing a clear set of expectations, the guidelines help ensure that PTT employees are supported to complete their studies, transition successfully into the profession, and build long-term teaching careers.
Members can access the full joint position statement here.