South West Qld teachers respond to Queensland Teachers’ Union state election asks

Ahead of the state election the Queensland Teachers’ Union has made a series of bold requests including legal protections against violence and further incentives in rural, remote communities. See what experienced South West Qld teachers think about the asks here.

Queensland’s state election has encouraged unions and other organisations to shine a light on a slew of major issues they feel can no longer be ignored.

Among those vying for change, Queensland Teachers’ Union has called for a focus on prioritising and delivering improved public education.

The union is remaining steadfast in its advocacy for teachers and school leaders to be protected as ‘public officers’ under the Queensland Criminal Code to address and prevent increasing incidents of violence and aggression in state schools.

Education Minister Di Farmer announced back in September the Miles government’s ‘No excuse for school abuse’ campaign targeted at identifying strategies to reduce occupational violence and aggression.

It comes after WorkCover claims data revealed $81.5m was paid to Queensland teachers and other school staff for physical and psychological injuries in the 2022/23 financial year.

9/9/2024: Education Minister Di Farmer with education professionals, Unions and educational stakeholders to launch the government's new Occupation Violence and Aggression Prevention campaign, at Brisbane State High School, South Brisbane. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

In a statement, Queensland Teachers’ Union acting vice president Leah Olsson said the QTU strongly encouraged teachers to accurately report incidents of violence and aggression.

“Teachers and school leaders deserve the same legal protections of other frontline workers like nurses, police, and paramedics,” Ms Olsson said.

“The QTU has been vocal in calling on teachers and school leaders to accurately report incidents of violence and aggression, only then will we see the true picture of what’s going on in our schools.

“Statistics tell us a story about increasing incidents, but they don’t reveal the psychological effect on teachers and other students who are also victims.”

Queensland Teachers Union acting vice president Leah Olsson. Photo: Supplied/QTU website

While the data sourced from Queensland Education identifies the increase in aggressive behaviour from students, there’s a similar trend not addressed which is parents behaviour.

Teachers working in South West Queensland schools have revealed aggressive behaviour from parents has only increased.

*Prue has learnt to develop a thick skin during her teaching career, and has noticed that poor behaviour from parents has become equal to that of students.

“The behaviour from parents is terrible and it’s gotten worse over the years,” she said.

“Sometimes I just want to stand up for myself and now that I’m experienced I can judge the situation to know when I can do that.”

Prue said this poor behaviour from parents has also become a deterrent for young teachers who are just starting their career.

Under its Regional Education Plan the QTU has also asked the Queensland government to further incentivise university graduates to apply for roles in regional and remote areas.

Prue believes universities should make it a requirement that all teaching graduates begin formally working in a regional or rural school.

While *Elizabeth was encouraging of mature aged teachers who are new to the industry to apply for those roles.

The former Palaszczuk government introduced the $20m ‘Turn to Teaching Internship Program’ which encourages those looking for a career change to enter education.

A two-year program, the TTT internship offers financial support during study, paid teaching internship and a permanent position in a Queensland state school upon completion.

In a bold request the QTU has asked for funding equality, calling on the state government to fully fund public schools and TAFE’s.

“Until state schools are funded equally with private schools, and all levels of government work to fix the current teacher shortage crisis, sadly the issue will not meaningfully improve,” Ms Olsson said in a statement.

The Miles government has promised a $1.4bn investment which would see free school lunches funded for students from prep to year 6 over a period of four years.

While both Prue and Elizabeth could see the benefits of the proposed funding policies, including free TAFE, concerns were raised over where the money would come from.

Both also identified that state schools are already providing a great deal of extra support for students whose families are struggling.

“We already support students who are struggling and need items for school such as notebooks and uniforms,” Elizabeth said.

A number of Queensland state schools already offer a breakfast club in the mornings to assist disadvantaged students.

“I just think we can’t constantly rely on the government for help and in terms of school lunches it’s something that should be parents’ responsibility,” Prue said.

*Names changed to protect the identity of teachers who requested anonymity.