From the General Secretary's desk, 16 October 2023 | Open PDF
Today, we acknowledge the Elders and Custodians of our diverse Nations and Countries. They are the knowledge holders and the educators of our communities. They have led us through the referendum process and will continue to lead us as a nation that is still learning how to listen, to learn, and to heal together.
We also acknowledge the work of QTU officers Micheal Beale, Rachel Bos and Emerson Zerafa-Payne, our entire QTU officer team, all QTU employees, and you - our QTU members who have throughout the campaign stood in solidarity with First Nations colleagues, friends, family, and students.
In 2017, we welcomed the invitation issued to all Australians by the Uluru Statement from the Heart. We accepted the generous offer from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to walk together to build a kinder, more compassionate country, in which we can all thrive.
While the referendum outcome may not have been what we were hoping for, now is the time to strengthen our efforts and commitment to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
Throughout the campaign, we saw people from all walks of life coming together with hope and a shared vision for the future. Each and every action that members took during this campaign – speaking with friends and family, participating in social media photos, phone banking as part of the 1 Million Calls for Yes, attending educational webinars, letterbox dropping and standing united on polling day – made a difference, and lit a beacon of hope, even during the darkest of turns along the road.
The referendum result, and the journey to this point, reminds us that change can be a long and challenging process, and that we can encounter obstacles along the way.
Our work to achieve justice alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities is not finished. Today, and every day, we recommit ourselves to walking together towards a better future for our students, their families, and our communities.
The QTU remains committed to reconciliation and campaigning for and with our First Nations members. We will continue to advocate that Union and government policies relating to First Nations peoples should be informed by them.
As we walk together in hope for a better future, let us make sure that we do not take a step backwards. Let us foster an environment in our state schools and TAFEs that promotes open and honest discussions about our history. Let us inspire critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of responsibility among our students.
When we equip young people with the knowledge needed to truly understand the past, we empower them to be active, informed citizens who can shape a more just and compassionate future.
Support for members and First Nations students
Support is available through a number of forums:
- @13yarn or (139276) – for our First Nations colleagues and friends
- @lifelineaustralia on 131114
- The National Indigenous Postvention Service — After Suicide Support 24/7 – 1800 805 801
- Brother to Brother 24-hour crisis line – 1800 435 799
- the Healing Foundation – 02 6272 7500
- the employee assistance program
- Smiling Mind and Happy Families have both released ways to support our First Nations students during the referendum. Additional information can be found here:
- Supporting children through The Voice to Parliament Referendum (smilingmind.com.au)
- Happy Families – How to talk to your kids about the referendum (https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/articles/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-the-referendum)
Members who need to can also access leave. The department has sought a view from the Public Sector Commissioner regarding cultural leave and while we wait for the advice, members can access other forms of leave if they are not able to attend work today, or in the coming days.
Kate Ruttiman
QTU General Secretary
Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064