Hundreds of Queensland teachers protest outside parliament calling for urgent change

Hoards of Queensland teachers are protesting outside parliament in Brisbane this afternoon claiming that “education is under attack” from the state government.

Queensland teachers protesting outside parliament. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Hundreds of Queensland Teachers Union members have gathered outside Parliament House in Brisbane in protest, days after rejecting a pay offer from the state government.

The members, and supports, protesting outside of school hours are also demanding urgent action to address the state’s worsening teacher shortage crisis.

The union on Friday rejected the government’s offer of salary increases 3 per cent, 2.5 per cent, and 2.5 per cent over the next three years.

Queensland teachers protesting outside parliament. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Union deputy leader Leah Olsson slammed the government’s offer and vowed to hold the premier to account.

“We are fighting for physical respect for the safety and well-being for members at work. Right now that respect for the profession is a one way street. I feel your energy right now and right here and we are going to change that narrative,” Ms Olsson said.

“We will no longer go quietly when we are attacked abused and assaulted.

“Near enough is not good enough. We know exactly what is happening in our schools. The government knows all too well.

“I stand here committed to sharing and amplyfing your voices as one.

“To making sure distance is not a disadvantage, it just means greater coverage and that regional means further reach for our members.”

Union president Cresta Richardson said the offer was not in the realm of “realistic”.

Ms Richardson said teachers had worked harder and longer with less.

“Worked longer and gone without. No more. It’s time to pay the bill. That bill is nation leading salaries,” she said.

“We are desperately short of teachers and school leaders in our classrooms. We have a respect problem. A violence problem. A red tape problem. Let’s ask ourselves how you retain a worforce that is burning out? It’s nation leading salaries.”

“Education is under attack, pay us fully,” the crowd chanted.

“Eight per cent is not enough, Crisafulli listen up.”

Australian Workers Union, and CFMEU members, among other unions, were also in attendance.

Whistles and cheers could be heard from the crowd gathering in front of Parliament.

It comes after the CFMEU shut down parts of Brisbane city for two days last week in ugly scenes were a journalist was labelled a “media b*tch”.