2021 teacher transfer appeal process
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 126 No 5, 30 July 2021, page no.25
Although in recent years the department has reduced the number of involuntary required transfers, some QTU members still receive either a required transfer that they do not want or a transfer to somewhere other than their requested geographic area or region. In both cases, there are appeal processes.
To successfully appeal a required transfer, whether inter-regional or intra-regional, you must provide evidence that the transfer is unreasonable.
In the first instance, you should discuss your concerns with a transfer decision with your principal. If the matter cannot be resolved, you can submit a written request for review to your principal, including sufficient information to enable your concerns to be resolved and any action that you would like taken.
Local action
The principal will attempt to resolve the matter at the local level in consultation with their regional HR consultant. A meeting/teleconference will be held between you, a member of the school’s administration and the regional HR consultant to discuss your concerns. You can also invite a representative of the Union or other support person. You will receive an email confirming the outcome of this stage of the process and the reasons for the decision, any further action to be taken, and the next steps in the review process.
Internal review
Regional review panel: You can lodge an appeal with regional office if unsuccessful in resolving the matter locally. You will receive written notification of the review decision, including the reasons for the decision, the information considered and the next steps in the review process.
External review
There is an external review/appeal stage, should these not resolve the appeal.
Intra-regional transfer appeals
The unreasonableness threshold is relatively difficult to attain for an intra-regional transfer, i.e. a transfer to a school within 50 minutes of your current residence, as for most teachers a transfer under these circumstances will be considered reasonable. In cases where teachers have compassionate circumstances in relation to the health and wellbeing of immediate family members or themselves have a medical condition that may limit the travel time, specific specialist medical and other evidence needs to be provided to the department.
Inter-regional transfer appeals
Teachers are generally informed in Term 2 or 3 of the department’s intention to transfer them to another region. This usually provides you with an opportunity to provide the relevant information and evidence as to why the proposed transfer may be unreasonable. While there may be more grounds that may be relevant in considering whether a transfer is reasonable than is the case for an intra-regional transfer, significant evidence is required and should be in the form of documentary evidence wherever possible. If you are considering appealing a required inter-regional transfer, read the relevant QTU information on the website before contacting the QTU office for further information.
2021 transfer release date
In 2021, all transfers (including guaranteed transfers) will be released on Thursday, 16 September. Teachers will receive emails either outlining a transfer or indicating that a transfer has not yet been granted. QTU members who do not receive a transfer need to be aware that the department will continue to consider their transfer application up until Day 8 in 2022. They should contact both the department and the QTU to seek further information and advice about the prospects of transfer before the start of the 2022 school year. In previous years, several transfers were released after the end of Term 3.
Guaranteed transfers will also be released officially on 16 September, although most applicants will know of their transfer before that date. The QTU does not anticipate appeals arising from this process, as these teachers have been case managed and have been involved in the process; however, to ensure teachers have the right of review, DoE has confirmed the appeal/review timelines will also apply to guaranteed transfers. Appeal timelines will be published on the QTU website later in Term 3.
You can find relevant teacher transfer appeal information at:
- https://www.qtu.asn.au/seek-advice/appealing-transfer-decision
- https://intranet.qed.qld.gov.au/Services/HumanResources/payrollhr/careers/managingyourcareer/teachertransfers/Pages/
For further information and/or advice, contact the Queensland Teachers Assist Desk on 1300 11 7823.