9 December 2021 | Download PDF
Latest Women's e-news - Term 4 update
As the year draws to a close, I want to thank the women who have held Union roles in their workplaces this year. I recognise that many of you take on these voluntary roles in addition to not only your paid work, but also the unpaid labour that many of you do in caring for your family, spouses and community.
Thank you for all your support of the QTU and Union women. I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2022 to make our Union and our workplaces harassment free, more equitable, and environments where women of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are encouraged and supported.
2022 key dates and reminders
- 2022 is a QTU Women's Conference year. COVID permitting, we are scheduled to hold the Conference in Brisbane on 27 - 28 June, during the school holidays. Invitations will be sent directly to all QTU women who hold Union positions in early Term 2.
- March 8 is International Women's Day. Schools and TAFE campuses holding events across Queensland's Women's Week will be able to download and order free resources early in the year here.
- Standing agenda item - if you hold a branch or area council women's contact role, make sure that you are able to give a report at each meeting. It is really important that gender equity is considered core Union business. You can talk to your Regional Organiser for advice or support if you need it. Don't forget we also provide resources to help you in the role.
Respectful relationships and DFV
The QTU welcomes the release of the Hear Her Voice report and the state government’s commitment to raising awareness of the pervasiveness of DFV throughout our community during the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence .
While there is wide-spread acknowledgement of the need to respond to and support those impacted by gender-based violence, we really need to look at how we prevent gender-based violence.
Schools can play a really crucial role, and that is why we need a fully-funded and supported whole-of-school approach to respectful relationships education in every state school across Queensland.
While it does back the program, the Queensland Government is yet to commit to any additional funds to support its implementation.
Fair Agenda, a national campaign body, understands how important this is – we encourage QTU members to lend support to their campaign (see below).
Queensland: get respectful relationships reform right
Providing quality respectful relationships education is one of the most important things we can do to prevent gender-based violence.
The Queensland Government has committed to reviewing respectful relationships education in the state. We know involving experts to create the curriculum and deliver effective training to educators is the difference between success and failure - but the Queensland Government still hasn’t announced the funding needed to enable that.
The curriculum review process is underway right now. We need to make sure they get it right and don’t miss this opportunity to effectively support young people. Queensland needs a curriculum that is created by experts, is properly resourced, and hits the mark.
Can you help make sure the Ministers know the community want experts as part of this process right now? Please show your support for investment in respectful relationships education by signing the petition.
Sign here: http://www.fairagenda.org/qld_respectful_relationships?recruiter_id=133272
Staffing and timetabling
At this time of year, the QTU assists many women who are struggling to have their desired fraction or days supported at their workplaces. Working part-time or flexibly isn't just for parents of young children – teachers seek to work less than full-time for a wide range of reasons. However, many schools put up barriers that make addressing management seem too hard. The team at Baringa State Secondary College chose to do it differently - by actively supporting teachers. You can read about it here Baringa SSC: Top marks for timetabling :: QTU
Sexual harassment - making a complaint
The QTU has updated its advice brochure on making sexual harassment complaints in workplaces. You can download a copy here or access it through QTAD. The QTU continues to work with the wider union movement to ensure that the reviews of the Queensland Public Service Act and the Anti-Discrimination Act and WH&S updates recognise gender-based violence as an important workplace issue. In early 2022, the QTU will be releasing a new suite of resources as part of our Expect Respect Campaign :: QTU.
Anti-discrimination in Queensland
It's been 30 years since Queensland introduced anti-discrimination laws. A lot has changed in our homes, community and workplaces in that time. Our Union will be making a submission as part of the review process, but individuals and other community groups can make contributions as well. Find out more here: QHRC : ADA Review
Equity provisions underway
With EB10 just around the corner, it is great to see that equity is one of the key elements of our campaign, following on from the crucial gains we made in our gendered log of claims for EB9. The Queensland Government continues to prioritise gender equity and closing the pay gap. The government has recently created a new special role to oversee gender equity provisions in the public service, to be filled by Dr Linda Colley (find out more about Dr Colley below). Congratulations Dr Colley, the QTU looks forward to working with you.
Special Commissioner Equity and Diversity, Public Service Commission
Dr Linda Colley
Prior to her appointment as Special Commissioner, Dr Colley was an Associate Professor of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations and Leader of the Work and Employment Research Group at the School of Business and Law at CQUniversity. Her research interests include gender and public sector management, and she has conducted research projects with all Australian public service jurisdictions.
Dr Colley is Chair of the Work Health and Safety Board and worked in employment policy and practice during her previous career in the public sector.
Dr Colley holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Doctor of Philosophy from Griffith University.
From <https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/93199>
Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064