No. 6-23, 26 July 2023 | Open PDF

TO: QTU MEMBERS

Members of QTU Executive, who are all rank-and-file teachers and school leaders, met on Monday night. They discussed a range of issues affecting QTU members and the ways that the QTU and its officers are working for members every day. The key topics of discussion at the meeting are outlined below.

HELP Debtor Guidelines updated - for teachers in very remote areas

From 2019, eligible teachers who had completed four years of teaching in identified very remote locations could apply for a reduction of their accumulated Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt. This federal government initiative gives teachers in very remote locations the opportunity to have their HELP debt reduced and/or their HELP debt indexation waived each year.

The four-year period from the initial implementation in 2019 has now passed, and we are receiving a steady stream of enquiries from members who have had difficulty in getting clarification of their application status and eligibility from the department or have concerns over the strict criteria regarding 1,460 days of teaching.

The QTU has recently received notification that the new guidelines reduce the 1,460 day requirement to 1,400 days, introduce a special circumstances provision, change the requirement to be normally resident in a very remote area, and clarify courses of study that are eligible for a reduction in HELP debt.

The changes in the guidelines will result in many more teachers being eligible to access the scheme, helping members save tens of thousands of dollars. This is a significant win for members working in remote areas, and it should be celebrated.

The QTU has sought clarification from the HELP Policy Team of whether the eligibility changes will be retrospective, to ensure all teachers who should have been eligible from 1 January 2023 will be able to access the scheme.  The QTU was notified that all applicants will be assessed against the updated guidelines, and those who made applications earlier this year have been contacted by the HELP Policy Team and will have their applications fast-tracked.

Additional information can be found at: https://www.education.gov.au/higher-education-loan-program/reduction-help-debts-teachers-very-remote-areas

Eligibility for increased locality allowance

The QTU is aware that the department has been in touch with members at specific (remote) centres across the state to update their details and assess their eligibility for a locality allowance. QTU Officers have pursued clarification of eligibility for the locality allowance and the limit of 12 months for backpay, as noted on the declaration form.

The Locality Allowance Directive references the time limit ─ clause 13.1 states:
Without the approval of the chief executive, a claim shall not be paid unless it is submitted within 12 months:

• of the date of completion of the work, or
• the incurring of the expense, or
• the conclusion of the circumstances leading to the claim.

The department has advised the QTU that Clause 13.1 of the Locality Allowance Directive allows for the chief executive to approve claims outside of the 12 months. Under the HR delegations, the principal has been delegated to approve claim(s) submitted more than 12 months after they arose.

Based on this department advice, if the principal supports the request for backdating of the claim after more than 12 months, then the payment of the locality allowance for up to six years can be processed. The pay teams will be advised accordingly.

Therefore, we encourage principal members to inform their line managers that, as principals, they have the capacity to approve the backpay of locality allowance, if the individual making the claim is eligible, and to seek their approval in the first instance.

Principals who are not familiar with an individual’s circumstances may request evidence to confirm the changes to family status, but this evidence is to be maintained at a school level.

The department has committed to updating the form to note that principals have the authority to approve backpay after more than a 12-month period.

Human Rights Survey closing soon

The Queensland Human Rights Commission has developed an online survey to gather information from educators in Queensland. A good number of responses has been received so far, and the Commission is very thankful for the responses.

It has now decided to extend the deadline, to give a last chance for educators to have a say. The survey now has to be completed by the close of business on Monday 31 July.

Please click here to complete:  Survey for Queensland educators: racism at school.

Hat and lead

The expression of intent (EOI) process to apply to the Queensland College of Teachers for highly accomplished teacher (HAT) and lead teacher (LT) certification in 2024 will be open for Queensland state school teachers between 1-15 August.

For more information, including the link to apply, please visit the department’s HAT LT SharePoint site or join the HAT LT subscription list.

The QTU offers free training for members considering applying for HAT and lead teacher. This training complements the department's workshops.  Click here for the QuEST program:  Queensland Education Support and Training - QuEST :: QTU

For more information about the highly accomplished and lead teacher certification process for Queensland state school teachers, you can also read our information brochure Highly accomplished and lead teachers.

Research aims to capture teacher wellbeing during times of crisis

A PhD candidate from the University of Canberra is seeking to explore the wellbeing of Australian teachers and nurses during times of crisis (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), including their workplace support. She is conducting a survey to assist her research, the findings of which will improve understanding of frontline workers' wellbeing and provide ways to improve teacher and nursing wellbeing management practices in Australia, across both public and independent sectors, particularly during times of crisis. 

If you wish to participate in the anonymous online survey, go t  - https://uoc.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6FpXQmX93c6di18 

Kate Ruttiman
General Secretary

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