7 October 2025 

Term 4 Women’s e-News

Key topics:

• Superannuation and divorce or separation
• Share the Dignity
• Parental leave and entitlements reminder.
   

Superannuation and divorce or separation

Do you have to split superannuation in a divorce?

You don't always have to split your super in a divorce or separation, unless the court orders it. But if one of you has more super than the other, it's something to consider. It will depend on your situation.

The same applies to de facto couples after separation.

QSuper recommends getting legal advice before making these decisions, and members are reminded that they can request extended legal assistance through the QTU. Legal assistance: it's your protection

Moneysmart also has a useful divorce and separation financial checklist. You can use it as a guide to help you through the process.

Share the dignity 

Policy matters! So how does the QTU bring those lesser-known policies to life for QTU members? In this case, it’s by pointing the policy out to you and asking for your support.

QTU Policy L - 8.1.2 Period poverty

The QTU calls on the state government to ensure the ongoing supply of free sanitary products and comprehensive period education in all state schools and TAFE campuses.

The QTU supports and stands in solidarity with organisations working to end period poverty, advocating for systemic changes to ensure dignity, equality, and access for all students.

One such organisation is Share the Dignity. How can we support them?

Share the Dignity in Queensland Schools initiative

Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has installed over 800 Dignity Vending Machines® (DVM) in Queensland state schools.

The list of schools that have installed DVMs demonstrates a strong uptake of the initiative among secondary schools, reflecting the initiative’s successful integration into the secondary education landscape. However, the data also highlights a significant gap in uptake among primary schools, with only 48 per cent currently involved.

All state schools, outdoor and environmental education centres, and student residential facilities are eligible to receive a free DVM.

Teach the Period Talk education program in your school

All state schools who install a DVM receive Period Talk, a curriculum-approved education program aimed at boys and girls in Years 5-8. The program is also available as a free digital download from the Share the Dignity website.

The program covers every menstruation topic imaginable, from cycles, available sanitary products, and premenstrual syndrome, to how different cultures manage periods.

More about Share the Dignity in Queensland schools, including how to register for a DVM, is available on Share the Dignity’s website, as is information about projects like It's in the Bag, which takes place each November.

Parental leave and entitlements reminder

There is one online QTU information session remaining in 2025:

• 12 November, 4pm
   

This Teams session will be hosted by subject matter expert Gillian Crotty, QTU Assistant Secretary – Women’s Officer, Social Welfare, with the support of a QTU Organiser. Invitations will be sent to members in the lead up to the session.

2026 branch officer positions 

The positions of Branch President, Vice-President, Secretary, Women’s Contact, and First Nations Contact are held for one year only and then re-advertised in readiness for the following year.

If you want to hold a branch officer position in 2026, keep an eye out for nominations in the forthcoming Journal.

​​​​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