2020 teacher transfer appeal process
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 125 No 6, 14 August 2020, page no.12
Although in recent years the department has reduced the number of involuntary required transfers, each year some QTU members either receive an unwanted required transfer or request a transfer to a specific geographic area and/or region and don’t get it. In both cases there are appeal processes.
To be successful in appealing a required transfer, whether inter-regional or intra-regional, you must provide evidence that the transfer is unreasonable.
The transfer appeal process
Concerns should be discussed with your base school principal in the first instance. If the matter cannot be resolved, submit a written request for review to your principal, including information about your concerns and any action you would like taken.
Local action: The principal will attempt to resolve the matter, in consultation with their regional HR consultant. A meeting/teleconference will be arranged between you, a member of the school’s administration and a regional HR consultant. You can invite a QTU representative or other support person. You will receive an email confirming the outcome and the reasons for any decision, any further action to be taken and the next steps.
Internal review (regional review panel): If unsuccessful at the local action level, lodge an appeal with regional office. You will then receive written notification of the decision, including the reasons for the decision, the information considered and the next steps.
External review: If the issue is still resolved, there is an external review/appeal stage.
Intra-regional transfer appeals
For a transfer to a school within 50 minutes of your current residence, the unreasonableness threshold is relatively difficult to attain, as a transfer under these circumstances will normally be considered reasonable. However, it may be that you have compassionate circumstances in relation to the health and wellbeing of immediate family members that may limit travel time or you have a medical condition that limits you capacity to travel. In such cases, specialist medical and other evidence needs to be provided. Most of these situations will be avoided because teachers should have been advised of a possible transfer in Term 2 and had an opportunity to explain why they cannot accept.
Inter-regional transfer appeals
Teachers are generally informed of the department’s intention to transfer them to another region in Term 2, which provides an opportunity to provide relevant information and evidence as to why the proposed transfer may be unreasonable. While the grounds for considering whether a transfer is reasonable are more numerous than for an intra-regional transfer, significant evidence is required, in the form of documentary evidence where possible. Members considering appealing a required inter-regional transfer should read the information on the QTU website before contacting the QTU office.
2020 transfer release date
In 2020, transfers emanating from the guaranteed transfer process will also be released on 17 September.
This includes guaranteed transfers, because while the QTU does not anticipate appeals as these teachers have been case managed and involved in the process, the same timelines will apply to ensure teachers have the right of review.
Teachers will receive emails either outlining a transfer or indicating that a transfer has not yet been granted. If you do not receive a transfer on 17 September, be aware that the department will continue to consider applications up until Day 8 in 2021. Contact both the department and the QTU to seek further advice about the prospects of transfer before the start of the 2021 school year. In previous years, a significant number of transfers were released after the end of Term 3.
More information can be found at:
- https://www.qtu.asn.au/seek-advice/appealing-transfer-decision
- https://intranet.qed.qld.gov.au/Services/HumanResources/payrollhr/careers/managingyourcareer/teachertransfers/Pages/teachertransfer informationandguidelines.aspx
For information and/or advice, contact the Queensland Teachers Assist Desk on 1300 11 7823 or visit www.qtu.as.au
Date (2020) | Event |
17 September | Teacher transfer notifications released. |
14 October | Local level review process finalised. |
20 October | Deadline for lodging appeal with regional office (internal review) |
3 November | Notification of internal review outcomes. |
On or before 24 November |
Deadline for external appeal lodgement – this assumes that you receive the outcome of the internal review on 3 November. The external appeal deadline is 21 days from the date the internal review outcome is received. |