Queensland state schools are incredible.
But when seven in ten QTU members report having experienced a serious incident (injury, assault or significant threat) in their workplace - urgent action is needed.
Violence in any workplace is unthinkable. Teachers and school leaders should not be any different.
Current legislation simply isn’t protecting teachers, which is why QTU members are calling on the state government to act.
What we're asking for:
❌ amend the Criminal Code Act (1889) to include teachers, school leaders and frontline workers in state schools and TAFE.
❌ develop a statewide charter of expectations.
❌ support safety first assessments to ensure safe learning environments for all students, teachers and school leaders - a primary obligation of the Department of Education.
❌ commit to a special education capital fund, enabling schools to invest in specialist infrastructure in modern, inclusive learning environments.
These simple measures would ensure Queensland educators have the protection, facilities and resources needed to do our essential work, safely.
How can you support safer education?
1. SIGN THE PETITION TO THE PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND, DAVID CRISAFULLI
Every signature of support helps.
2. MESSAGE YOUR LOCAL MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (below)
Let them know local community members expect state schools to be safe for teachers and students.
3. SHARE THIS POST
Check out this message from real Queensland teachers and school leaders sharing their lived experience as educators.
Like, share and help spread the word.
4. PRINT THIS FLYER
Make your support for safe schools known. Print this flyer so that fellow parents and community members can support QTU members too.
I'M READY TO TAKE ACTION!
Click here to send an email to your local Member
Why does this matter?
Stronger legislation and tougher penalties against perpetrators of violence in Queensland state schools and TAFEs would:
✅ Signal to the broader community that violence in state education will not be tolerated, acting as a real deterrent.
✅ Improve safety in our state schools and TAFEs and support the government’s commitment to addressing the escalating teacher shortage.
What we know...
❌ More than 70 per cent of 9000 QTU members who responded to a 2026 survey have experienced an incident they would consider serious with psychological stress/anxiety cited as the most prevalent impact (83 per cent).
❌ Close to three fifths of respondents have considered leaving the profession due to safety concerns or inclusion related pressure.
These experiences are from real teachers and school leaders – the people our community relies on to carry out one of the most important roles there is – unable to go to work and return home safe and unharmed at the end of the day.
The impact of violence and aggression extends to students too.
It is an issue making Queensland’s teacher shortage crisis worse.
Here's a snippet of what QTU members say:
"I have been a teacher for over 30 years. I do this job because I want to see all students access education and build positive futures for themselves. I can't do this job when I am faced with verbal and physical abuse daily or when I am so burnt out managing unrealistic expectations in our classrooms."
"We need clear behaviour expectations and guidelines and consistent consequences that factor in the teacher as well as the others students in the classroom who are affected by occupational violence and aggression."
"Current pressures include physical aggression in schools, unrealistic workload expectations, and increasing parent demands without clear, system-level boundaries. Stronger student code of conduct enforcement and clearer departmental guidance are needed to ensure safe, consistent responses. Chronic underfunding and limited resourcing restrict schools’ ability to extend learning opportunities and provide adequate support, impacting both student outcomes and staff safety."
"We need more support and backing of teachers around student behaviour issues."
Our call for safety and support is not just fair and reasonable. It is, right here, right now – a matter of urgency, critical to the future of our profession and great public education into the future.
Register here: QTU member safety webinars