TAFE and CQU EB consultation
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 3, 23 May 2025, page no 21.
This term, QTU Officers will commence a vital consultation process with TAFE Division members ahead of the forthcoming enterprise bargaining (EB) negotiations with TAFE Queensland and Central Queensland University (CQU).
This is a crucial opportunity for members to shape discussions about the future of their working conditions and entitlements.
So, what is EB, and how does it work?
Enterprise bargaining (EB) is the process of negotiating a new agreement relating to the salaries and working conditions of members. The outcome of these negotiations between the Union and your employer forms the basis of a certified agreement, which legally secures your conditions.
To work toward achieving improvements to salaries and conditions, the Union develops an EB claim, or log of claims, in consultation with members. This consultation will take place through multiple channels to ensure broad and inclusive participation. Members can expect opportunities to contribute through branch meetings, QTU surveys, TAFE Council and TAFE Executive discussions, and dedicated online member forums.
In preparation for consultation, all TAFE and CQU members are strongly encouraged to review their current industrial agreements. Understanding your existing conditions will help ensure informed contributions during this important process.
Following this consultation phase, a final log of claims reflecting the priorities and concerns of members will be presented to TAFE Council on 29 November, setting the stage for formal bargaining in 2026.
Your voice matters − get involved and help shape the future of your profession.
Key dates in the consultation timeline
- May: Consultation begins
- May: September: Ongoing consultation through various channels
- June - July: Member survey – share your views and priorities
- August- September: Online forums – engage in discussions from anywhere
- 29 November: Draft log of claims presented to TAFE Council for endorsement
- 1 April 2026: Commencement of single bargaining unit negotiations with employers
- 30 June: Nominal expiry of TAFE Queensland Educators Certified Agreement 2023 and Central Queensland University Enterprise Agreement 2023.
Kate Kermode
Acting Industrial Officer
TAFE photo competition
Over the past two years, the Australian Education Union (AEU) has run a photography competition for TAFE students, and it is again holding the competition in 2025.
The competition is an avenue for TAFE students to celebrate their study at the public provider of technical and further education and to be part of telling a powerful visual story about the life-changing role of Australia’s world-class TAFE system.
All TAFE students, whether at TAFE Queensland or CQUniversity, are encouraged to submit photos that depict “The Heart of TAFE” in 2025. Entries can focus on the learning facilities, student diversity or the expert hands-on training, using natural snaps, selfies or fully staged shots. Entrants have the creative freedom to impress the judges with their vision of the life-changing opportunity that TAFE brings.
Each state and territory will select a regional winner (to be awarded a $1,000 prize) who will then be advanced to compete for a $5,000 national prize. The national winner will be announced at Parliament House in Canberra during National TAFE Day celebrations on 9 September. Winning photographs will be displayed in Parliament House following the competition.
The competition is open until 5pm AEST on Monday 7 July. Entry is free for all currently enrolled TAFE students. The rules and further information regarding the competition can be found at www.aeufederal.org.au/photography-comp.