Judy Attwood
Nominated by QTU Executive
In 1973, as a member of the Elimination of Sexism in Education Committee, Judy was the major author and presenter of the Union submission to the Queensland Government’s Inquiry into the Status of Women. The inquiry and its focus on systemic societal inequities drove a renewed effort by the QTU Sexism Committee to address the unequal status of women in the teaching workforce, especially in superannuation. Between 1982 and 1984, Judy undertook a forensic examination of the Queensland Superannuation Scheme and associated legislation and published her findings in Journal articles.
As chair of the Sexism Committee (1985-86) and as a member of the Superannuation Committee (1978-1989), Judy played a major role in driving the preliminary QTU policy reforms underpinning QTU submissions, reached out to other state public sector unions and their women’s networks, and lobbied the Superannuation Board to conduct actuarial reviews and enact the desired changes.
Judy had a major input into the campaign action plan and was the main presenter at workshops run for women by the Committee throughout South East Queensland. The workshops and the lobbying campaign were very successful, with the Queensland Government introducing major changes to allow women to resign but still maintain continuity in the fund in the event of their return. Women were also offered the option to contribute at a higher rate for a spouse’s pension.
Judy was also an active participant in various other QTU campaigns during the 70s and 80s, including for equal pay, permanency for married women, paid maternity/parental leave, equity in the promotional system, and equal representation of women in all structures of the Union.
Judy’s active involvement with the QTU over four decades has been one of deep commitment and dedicated service. Her contribution has been outstanding and makes her a worthy candidate for Life Membership.