No. 11-24, 9 July 2024 | Open PDF

TO: QTU MEMBERS

Welcome back for Term 3. We hope you enjoyed a well-earned break. This term will be a busy one, not least because the Union will be preparing its log of claims and election asks for the lead up to the State Election. The QTU is also celebrating NAIDOC Week, and stands in solidarity with First Nations members, this week and every week.

EB11 log of claims

The QTU has received more than 1,400 motions from members who attended special workplace meetings, branch meetings, and area council meetings, as well as additional logs of claim from members of QTU standing committees and special interest groups.

While there was inevitably some duplication, the motions cover a wide range of topics. They have now been sorted into themes, which will help to inform the areas of interest that the QTU will put forward as part of its log of claims. QTU Executive met last night to consider the draft interest areas and will finalise the log of claims at its next meeting on 22 July. The log of claims will then be sent to August State Council for endorsement by delegates from across the state.

During the school holidays, the QTU held a tactical workshop with members of Executive and QTU officers to help develop and refine our election asks.

Once developed, these will accompany the log of claims when it is sent to all political parties to secure commitments from them in the lead up to the State Election on 26 October.

It is vital that any future government shows us exactly how they will value our profession if elected.

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week, which is held across the country from 7-14 July, celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme, chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.

The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The QTU is hosting two First Nation participants in the annual Anna Stewart Memorial Project - Amanda Power, chair of Gandu Jarjum and member of Executive, and Skye Vass, a member of Gandu Jarjum and President of the Cairns Branch.  Today, Amanda and Skye are joining QTU Women’s Officer Gill Crotty, First Nations Officer Micheal Beale, QTU Logan Redlands Organiser Maika Bailey, and QTU staff member Mimma Sporne at the Logan NAIDOC Family Fun Day at the Kingston Butter Factory (pictured below).

Belinda Coulahan, QTU member and principal of Harris Field State School, facilitated the QTU’s inclusion on the Logan Cluster of Schools stall at the NAIDOC Family Fun Day. This involvement showcases the way in which the QTU can partner with schools and members to support large scale community events and increase our visibility and connections with members.

The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) will be holding its NAIDOC Awards ceremony on Wednesday to recognise the work of unions in supporting their First Nation members.

A range of other exciting activities will be occurring this week – make sure to send photos of your NAIDOC Week activities to comms@qtu.asn.au

Sign up for your Fitness Passport

Keep up the momentum of those good fitness habits you started over the school holidays.

Members and their families can now sign up as Fitness Passport members and enjoy access to fitness facilities and aquatic centres across Queensland and Australia. The registration period is from Monday 8 July to Friday 2 August (please note, South East Region members can continue to register through their existing program).

You can find more information in this knowledge base article, which includes information about online the Q&A sessions that Fitness Passport will be delivering throughout the registration period.

I know this will be of great interest to many of our members and their families, who have been patiently waiting for an opportunity to register and join Fitness Passport.

​​​​​

Kate Ruttiman

General Secretary

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