Crisis in Queensland’s special schools
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 2, 11 April 2025, page no 13.
Queensland’s special schools are in crisis, with staffing reductions for 2025 escalating already unacceptable levels of occupational violence and aggression.
How did we get here?
For years, special schools have faced rising enrolments without a corresponding increase in staffing and resources. The complex needs of students require specialised support, but the Department of Education’s funding model has failed to keep pace. Rising occupational violence, teacher shortages, and systemic underfunding have placed an unbearable strain on staff and school leaders.
The recent changes to reasonable adjustment resourcing (RAR) have exacerbated the crisis, with significant reductions in teaching staff, teacher aides, and leadership positions. These cuts will directly impact upon the ability of schools to maintain safe and supportive learning environments. The department’s failure to address these issues has left special school staff feeling abandoned and overwhelmed.
A crisis that demands action
Confronting this crisis aligns with the QTU’s strategic priorities:
- Safe, properly resourced workplaces
- Addressing teacher shortages, occupational violence, and inclusion
- Holding the Department of Education accountable.
A campaign on special schools intersects with the QTU’s broader growth and occupational violence campaigns.
Despite complex causes, the message is clear.
- Staff and students are at risk.
- Principals face impossible decisions about support.
- The department is downplaying the crisis.
This is not just a special school issue − it reflects broader challenges across Queensland’s education system.
QTU action
The QTU has taken strong action to address the crisis in special schools. In December 2024, the Union raised urgent concerns with special school principals, Union Representatives, and the Department of Education about the 2025 RAR Indicative Staffing Planner. The QTU formally called for a freeze on staffing reductions and warned of severe risks to staff and student safety.
QTU representatives have advocated directly with Director-General Sharon Schimming, pushed for transparency in staffing allocations, and flagged potential action under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 as a result of the foreseeable risk to workers. The Union has also committed to escalating this issue through a public campaign if necessary.
At a special school principal forum in mid-February, school leaders reported using unspent staffing credits to cover shortfalls, therefore depleting school budgets, and struggling to secure adequate support for students with specialist health needs. The QTU continues to apply pressure to ensure special schools receive the resources they need.
Collective action by members
While the QTU continues to advocate for systemic change, to drive real outcomes action in schools will be critical. Members must take the lead.
- Raise WHS concerns – Document and report all instances of occupational violence, understaffing, and unsafe work environments on the MyHR WHS reporting system.
- Reach out for support – If you are experiencing occupational violence and aggression and department support is not forthcoming, contact the QTU.
- Participate in the campaign – Be ready to take part in QTU actions – “My Workplace is not like yours!” More information will be available soon.
The stakes are too high for inaction. Through collective effort, members can ensure that every student, teacher, and school leader in Queensland’s special schools has the safe, well-supported learning environment they deserve.