QTU 2024 State Election Campaign
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 6, 23 August 2024, page 9.
With the introduction of four year fixed-term parliamentary terms, we can prepare for the state election in advance by putting the QTU 2024 State Election Asks to the political parties, current Members of Parliament, and candidates.
QTU members have spent the past few months considering what should form part of the EB11 log of claims at branch meetings across the state. The QTU 2024 State Election Asks have been informed by this feedback, along with our State Budget Submission, the work done as part of the Comprehensive Review of School Resourcing (CRoSR), and member concerns across the state relating to the teacher shortage crisis, workload, and safety at work.
The campaign title, “Safer Stronger Communities, Safer Stronger Schools – A Better Future For Our Kids”, speaks to the potential that a properly funded public education system with a respected teaching profession brings, while also addressing key broader community concerns, such as cost of living and crime.
Many issues that impact on state schools and the work of QTU members cannot be addressed through EB11 negotiations. These include school facilities, resourcing for alternative programs, and non-teaching school personnel who can directly reduce the workload of teachers and school leaders.
This is why our State Election campaign is critical in a four-year electoral cycle, in seeking outcomes to address member issues and improve public education.
The QTU 2024 State Election Asks fall under the following areas:
The full list of asks can be found on page 18 of this Journal.
During the next few months of campaigning, we will be:
- writing to political parties seeking a response to the QTU Asks
- holding MP/candidate meetings to discuss the QTU Asks
- seeking MP/candidate pledges for the QTU Asks
- holding member forums in key electorates
- publishing a special election edition of the Queensland Teachers’ Journal
- providing reports to members on delegation responses.
- taking out digital advertising.
The QTU will be organising delegations to MPs and candidates across the state to discuss the asks and seek commitments for the new parliamentary term.
Polling suggests that this state election is still to be determined, with the potential for a small majority for either major party, or even a hung Parliament. That is why the QTU will also be meeting with minor party MPs and candidates to ensure that the whole Parliament understands what QTU members in every community across the state need.
The QTU will also be participating in Queensland Unions’ “Fighting for Queenslanders” campaign in different parts of the state. This campaign aligns to the main QTU State Election Asks, with four key priorities:
- good jobs and decent work
- access to housing
- world-leading health and education
- safety and respect.
For more information on this campaign, head to www.fightingforqueenslanders.com
The QTU also has a campaign website where members can get more information about the details of our asks and what is at stake at this election.You can also speak with your Regional Organiser for more details about local campaign activities in your local area.
No matter who is elected on October 26, they will know the priorities of QTU members. The state government Is your employer, so your vote counts when it comes to your life at work. Getting involved and sharing information from your Union will ensure the next Queensland Government respects the teaching profession and provides the resources we need to ensure state schools and their students reach their potential.
