"Thank you so much Brendan for your introduction and work.
I’d like to start today by acknowledging Songman Christopher Tosh Dawson. I have been lucky enough to have experienced acknowledgements by Aunt Maroochy, William Barton, and Sails of the Red Sands. Today is another moving and meaningful experience for us all to share together.
As always, on New Year’s Day this year, some of my friends from Mt Isa and myself got together for lunch. It’s so nice to get together, discuss the kids and their achievements, and our trials and tribulations of the past 12 months. Many of you would have these same experiences. They are so gratifying and renewing. Something happened for me this year, though, as we met and chewed the 2022 fat. These two friends are strong First Nations women who have achieved a great many things. The starkest difference though was the discussion of the many funerals they had attended in 2022. Funerals of family and friends from ill health; funerals of family and friends who have lost their lives far too young. I am not talking one or two, I am talking ten or more. I was always going to vote Yes in the referendum for an enshrined Voice to Parliament, but this experience cemented my vote even more. Until we can have the same access, support, educational achievement, health expectancy and life expectancy, I will vote Yes. We have to take the invitation to walk side by side with the first owners of this land as requested in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Today, we gather at Our Meeting Place for the opening of 2023 Biennial Conference of the QTU. Throughout the Conference, there will be much to consider and discuss. We will also welcome the Premier, state and federal Education Ministers, and other keynote speakers and stakeholders. Firstly, I would like to welcome Michael De’Ath, Director-General of Education, Industrial Relations and Racing, and members of his team. We welcome Presidents and Secretaries of comrade unions of the Queensland Council of Unions led by Jacqueline King, Presidents of the principals associations Mark Breckenridge and Pat Murphy, and CEOs of stakeholders in education Deanne Fishburn from the QCT, Jacqui Wilton from the QCAA, and Scott Wiseman for P&Cs Queensland. We welcome Members of the Legislative Assembly for Queensland: Julieanne Gilbert (Assistant Minister for Education), Dr Christian Rowan (Opposition Spokesperson for Education), Amy McMahon (Greens Spokesperson for Education), and Members of Federal Parliament. We welcome the team from Holding Redlich, led by Rachel Drew. We welcome back past QTU Presidents Mary Kelly, Julieanne McCullough, and Steve Ryan, and past General Secretaries John Battams and Graham Moloney. We welcome our federal AEU colleagues Kevin Bates (previous QTU President and now AEU Federal Secretary), Meredith Peace (AEU Deputy President and AEU Victorian Branch President), and Erin Aulich (AEU Victorian Branch Secretary). And last but not least we welcome you, our Council and Conference delegates from every school branch and our TAFE Division.
We know that teaching continues to be a highly trusted and regarded profession. A recent report indicated that teaching in Australia is still in the top five. Teachers were the only non-medical profession to rank in the top five in the study, which was conducted during the height of the pandemic. This accolade is a testament to the tireless dedication and unwavering commitment of educators in Queensland, Australia and worldwide. The last time we gathered, we were in the grip of COVID-19, and a quick reminder or perhaps trigger warning, we had to pause the proceedings on the second day due to an imminent lockdown.
We, as teacher and school leader unionists, have earned this recognition through our relentless pursuit of excellence in imparting knowledge, shaping young minds, and fostering a safe and nurturing learning environment. The trust bestowed upon us by our communities is a precious asset that we must continue to cherish and uphold. At times, it may not feel that way, but our profession is one highly valued. Positive media stories remind us of the profound impact we have on shaping the future and instilling hope in the hearts of the next generation.
Our curriculum plays a vital role in developing the minds of our students and preparing them for the challenges of the 21st Century. Together, we must ensure that our curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the needs of our diverse student population. With that though, we must have the time and resourcing to allow for discussion, collaboration, planning and preparation time, and time to adjust accordingly to really engage our students. You are the experts. You experience this every single day.
This, of course, doesn’t seem to stop every issue becoming a curriculum issue - vaping, car safety, mobile phone usage, swimming or any other thing that emerges in our daily lives. By adapting our curriculum to address these emerging issues, we empower our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of their lives.
While our profession is held in high regard, we cannot overlook the challenges we face. Workload remains a pressing concern for our teachers and school leaders. You are doing an amazing job, but you cannot be held solely responsible for addressing every societal issue. Balancing multiple responsibilities, preparing lesson plans, assessing student work, and managing administrative tasks can be overwhelming.
Together, we must find ways to narrow down this workload burden. The National Schools Reform Review provides an opportunity to advocate for appropriate resourcing that can alleviate this burden. Reducing red tape and exploring solutions, such as increased support, can help create a conducive environment for teaching and learning. Let our teachers teach and let our leaders lead.
Appropriate and proper funding is essential for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of state schools and TAFE. It enables us to provide adequate resources, infrastructure, and support for both teachers and students. However, the current state of education funding requires our immediate attention. Insufficient resources and underinvestment can hinder our ability to deliver the education our students deserve. We know this. We live this every day. And with much of the private sector funded at 100 per cent of the schooling resource standard or above and our schools at 89 per cent, we have some urgent work to do in a very tight timeline.
We will continue to advocate for a comprehensive funding review that takes into account the evolving needs of our profession and the students we teach. This review should focus not only on financial considerations but also on the equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality education.
TAFE continues to provide high quality vocational education, and is perfectly positioned to help Australia rebuild, stimulate the economy, and address serious skill shortages. But it urgently needs guaranteed funding to do so. Now, more than ever, Queenslanders need TAFE. We acknowledge the work of the TAFE Division in their current EB and the ongoing work of our members in the CQU EB.
In this endeavour, collectivism plays a vital role. Our collective voice, unity, and advocacy can create a powerful force for change. By standing together, we can amplify our concerns, articulate our needs, and demand fair and adequate funding for education. Our Union's strength lies in our ability to mobilise, engage in collective action, and shape policies that prioritise the wellbeing of both teachers and students.
Collectivism is not just about coming together in times of need; it is about fostering a culture of collaboration, support, and shared responsibility within our profession. By collaborating with colleagues, sharing best practices, and learning from one another, we can collectively elevate the standard of education.
Since 1889, our Union has played a pivotal role in advancing the rights and welfare of teachers and school leaders in Queensland. As we stand on the shoulders of the giants who have come before us, we remember and honour the Life Members of our Union who have passed away in the past two years. Their contributions, dedication, and advocacy have paved the way for the advancements we enjoy today and pass on to tomorrow. Their lessons and guidance will continue to inspire us as we forge ahead into the future. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Presidential team, Leah Olsson and Jenny Swadling, for their tireless efforts and work on behalf of our members. Have a wonderful three days.
I’d like to now invite General Secretary Kate Ruttiman to the stage. Kate will give you the operational successes and picture since our last Conference. Kate is not only the General Secretary of the QTU, she is also the President of the Queensland Council of Unions and makes decisions on our behalf as a valued Director of the Australian Retirement Trust. Kate is not only a very dedicated unionist who demonstrates those values daily, she is a mum to an education university student and a grade 12 student, and a hands-on support and aunt to Poppy. Please welcome Kate to the stage."
Cresta Richardson
QTU President