No. 1-24, 29 Jan 2024 | Open PDF 

TO: QTU MEMBERS

Working for members

The QTU works for members by negotiating outcomes to complex industrial and professional issues and by representing the profession on numerous committees and key stakeholder groups.

Teacher shortage

QTU members at North Rockhampton, Biloela, and Sarina State High Schools have started the academic school year with 5-11 fewer teachers than they are entitled to under the allocative model. This is the fourth year that the schools have been understaffed. Members in these schools started dispute resolution procedures in 2023, with some of them lodging a workplace health and safety incident outlining the psychosocial impacts of the continued understaffing.

Members are clear that these staffing deficiencies have huge impacts on timetabling, teacher and school leader entitlements, programming, and the psychosocial health of members.

Consequently, members at North Rockhampton, Biloela, and Sarina State High Schools have resolved to participate in a 1-hour stop work action during Week 3. QTU officers will meet with the Department of Education this week in an effort to resolve the issues. In the event the stoppages proceed, the QTU will advise members later this week how they can send messages of support to members in these schools.

Following a resolution from North Burnett Branch, QTU Executive also resolved to support a week of action in relation to the teacher shortage. Further advice on how to get involved will be provided to members in coming weeks.

Cyclone Kirrily and ongoing extreme weather events

Queensland continues to face ongoing extreme weather events, and if you do experience damage or loss, the QTU is here to help. The QTU Natural Disaster Relief Fund was initiated by members, for members. It is one of the ways we support members facing the most difficult of times. QTU members affected by natural disasters such as cyclones can access the fund.

So far this year, almost 100 members have been supported by the QTU in relation to the impact of natural disasters. More information can be found at www.qtu.asn.au/natural-disaster-relief-fund

Members in affected areas can also access information via the department’s school closures page (https://closures.qld.edu.au/), and should follow the advice of the department and their school leaders.

Australian Curriculum – Version 9 (ACV9) implementation update

2024 remains a familiarisation year for schools that are working towards ACV9 transition, after the QTU succeeded in securing an additional year before full implementation is required.

The QTU is advocating for schools to be provided with additional TRS to assist them to prepare for implementation. Currently, the department has not committed to providing this additional funding, however the QTU will continue to push for it. Members will be updated as this matter is progressed.

HAT and LT consultation underway

The Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) is currently evaluating the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HAT and LT) certification function to ensure that it aligns with the National Framework for Certification of HALTs. The purpose of this evaluation is to understand stakeholder perspectives and inform the future direction of the QCT’s certification program.

The QTU has provided feedback to the review, with additional feedback being sought from assessors, certified teachers and aspirants via surveys and interviews being conducted as part of the review.

Middle Leaders Reference Group update

Earlier this year, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) conducted a systematic literature review and document analysis to inform the development of the draft professional standards for middle leaders. AITSL is also drawing on feedback from key stakeholders, including the QTU, to refine the proposed standards.

The standards are set to be completed by late April, with a Queensland trial now concluded. Further advice regarding the finalisation of the standards and their intended use will be provided in future updates.

Music for Every Child, Every Week campaign

QTU Executive considered a proposal in response to the QTU’s campaign and continued commitment to Music for Every Child, Every Week by 2025. The QTU’s Music Specialist Interest Group is currently considering this proposal.

In the interim, music teachers who have agreed to undertake the duties of a generalist “arts teacher” may still be required to teach art, music, visual art, etc, as teaching allocations are determined at the school level using the recommended curriculum times as outlined in the P-12 CARF.

An update on the Music for Every Child, Every Week campaign will be provided to QTU members as matters are progressed with the department.

QTU Submission to the Youth Justice Reform Select Committee

The committee was established to conduct an inquiry into ongoing reforms to the youth justice system and support for victims of crime. The committee invited written submissions from interested parties directly engaged in youth justice.

The QTU’s submission outlined key areas where the government would be best served in supporting young people at risk of entering the youth justice system, while advocating for additional programs and funding for those already within the system.

QTU advocacy will continue, as additional funding and support will be needed to deliver any proposed initiative that impacts QTU members or the students they teach.

QTU feedback on Declaration of Interests – Public Sector Employees (Excluding Chief Executives) Directive

In 2023, members raised significant concerns regarding conflict of interest and notification of other employment processes. The QTU negotiated a raft of measures, including a draft procedure, revised form, and new FAQs and scenario guide. However, significant issues arose, including use of common law definitions. Advice was sought and a full review of the policy/procedure is now taking place.

The QTU has provided feedback to the department on the draft directive and will continue to update members as further information becomes available.

Kate Ruttiman
General Secretary

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