QTU explains the issues to the new government
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 1, 14 February 2025, page no 9.
Along with meetings with the Premier, the QTU has met with the new Minister for Education and the Arts, John Paul Langbroek, to provide an education brief outlining the key issues currently faced by our members in state schools. The brief built upon the State Election Asks presented to parties and candidates prior to the election and covers the following key issues.
Safe and secure school communities
- #myworkplaceisnotlikeyours – stop normalising what is not normal.
- A new look at inclusion – getting hurt is not reasonable.
- Securing our school grounds.
- Flexible learning.
- Teacher workforce crisis
A pathway to full staffing – regional education plan
- Fully fund state schools.
- A decade of chronic underfunding is a national shame.
- The quality modern and inclusion-ready infrastructure that state schools deserve.
Workload – letting teachers teach and leaders lead
- Addressing time poverty and workload.
- Prioritising a culture of professional autonomy.
- Workplace health and safety should be a priority – and funded as such.
- The importance of shared interests.
The QTU has also produced an Education Brief – Training, which has been provided to the new Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates.
The QTU training brief outlines the following key issues our TAFE members are currently dealing with when delivering vocational education and training in TAFEs across the state and can be accessed here https://www.qtu.asn.au/education-brief-training.
Safe and secure vocational education and training
- Cost saving measures are undermining a better learning and safety culture.
Quality training – an investment in Queensland’s future.
- Regional education plan
- Regional Queensland sees TAFE as a core public service delivering growth.
Teacher workforce crisis – workload
- A pathway to full staffing – addressing workforce shortages.
Fully fund TAFE
- Learning in quality environments everywhere.
- Future-ready infrastructure.
- Bargaining and resolving for a strong TAFE system.
Prior to the election, QTU members across the state met with sitting MPs and candidates to discuss the QTU 2024 State Election Asks and other specific local issues facing QTU members and their workplaces.
This work will continue in the lead up to the 2025 State Budget. If you would like to engage in ongoing delegations with members of parliament in your region, contact your regional organiser.
The QTU looks forward to representing the views and interests of QTU members and working proactively with the new government and with Minister Langbroek and Minister Bates in the key portfolios impacting on the work of QTU members across the state.
QTU members elected
A number of QTU members were elected to Parliament at the 2024 State Election. These included returning members and some new faces. QTU members should not underestimate the value of having elected Members of Parliament who have come from our profession and have walked in our shoes.
The QTU congratulates the following QTU members elected to the 58th Parliament and looks forward to working with them on ensuring that the voice of our profession remains heard in the chamber, committee rooms and caucus.
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Tom Smith, Member for Bundaberg |
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Margie Nightingale, Member for Inala |
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Nigel Hutton, Member for Keppel |
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Corrinne McMillan, Member for Mansfield |