22 July 2025 

Term 3 Women’s e-News

Key topics:

• Superannuation
• QTU research: gender-based violence
• Sexual harassment contact officers (SCHOs)
• Reminder: Parental leave and entitlements
   

Superannuation:

What I’m always asked about is women and super. And how to take charge

Check out this article and webinar recording in which Australian Retirement Trust’s Team Leader in Key Client Education, Ruth Weaver, talks about steps women can take to take charge of their super.

This interview style article includes commonly-asked superannuation questions, such as:

• What super advice would you give a woman starting out in the workforce?
• Why is reviewing your investments so important?
   

The article also links to a recording of this year’s International Women’s Day webinar, which is full of tailored information and strategies.

QTU research project – a partnership with Southern Cross University:

Teachers’ perspectives and experiences of gender-based violence

The QTU has identified gender-based violence as a critical issue affecting its members, particularly women teachers and principals. This concern aligns with the Union’s core priorities, which include ensuring safe, healthy, and properly resourced workplaces; addressing the broader education crisis — including teacher shortages, occupational violence, and inclusion challenges; and holding employers accountable for the wellbeing of education professionals.

Following recommendations in late 2024 by the QTU Women Teachers and Girls Education Committee, QTU State Council endorsed a proposal for further research into gendered violence in schools. This research initiative, supported by Southern Cross University, continues the Union’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence as a matter of core business. It aims to generate evidence-based insights and recommendations that will inform advocacy, support member wellbeing, and contribute to broader policy and cultural change within the education sector.

The QTU will report the findings of the research project to members in due course.

Sexual harassment contact officers

A reminder to members who work for the Department of Education that sexual harassment contact officers (SCHOs) can be accessed by all staff on OnePortal here.

SCHOs are a requirement of the Preventing and responding to sexual harassment and related conduct at work directive 02/25. Where a worker witnesses and/or experiences alleged sexual harassment and related conduct, they have the right to access person-centred, confidential advice on their rights and options to report the matter. They may seek the support of a SCHO and/or external advice, such as through1800Respect or a Union Representative.

Reminder: Parental leave and entitlements

There are two remaining online QTU information sessions scheduled for 2025:

• 20 August, 4pm
• 12 November, 4pm
   

The Teams sessions will be hosted by subject matter expert Gillian Crotty, Assistant Secretary – Women’s Officer, Social Welfare. A QTU Organiser will also support each session. Invitations will be sent to members in the lead up to each session.

If a member is unable to attend a session, but would like information about parental leave, they are encouraged to read the Parental leave entitlements brochure and contact the Queensland Teachers’ Assist Desk.

​​​​Kind regards,

​​​​Gillian Crotty
QTU Assistant Secretary - Women’s Coordinator, Social Welfare Issues

 Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064