Penny Spalding
Nominated by QTU State Council and Executive
Penny started her teaching career as a secondary art teacher at Rosedale P-12 Campus, and within her first year became QTU Women’s Contact.
As a QTU activist, she held a multitude of positions, including Honorary President of Metropolitan South and East Area Council, State Council Representative, QCU committee member, Executive member, and a member of the Social Issues Committee.
Penny was first employed by the QTU as Gold Coast Organiser, where she opened the QTU’s Gold Coast office. She has been the QTU Women’s Officer since 2012.
Penny has served as an example to the membership, working passionately as an ally for the LGBTIQ+ community, particularly during the Marriage Equality campaign. She is a proud feminist, advocating on a multitude of women’s issues, including reproductive rights, and the fight for equitable working conditions. Penny was instrumental in the Expect Respect campaign, shining a spotlight on gendered violence and sexual harassment. She also played a major role in ensuring the inclusion of ten days of domestic and family violence leave in the 2019 Teachers Agreement, a change since replicated across the country.
Her support for the recognition of the value of part-time teachers through annual pay progression has assisted countless members, and her continued advocacy has seen this applied to senior teacher, experienced senior teacher, and experienced senior teacher 2.
While Penny will be an asset to the wider union movement in her role as Women’s Officer at the Queensland Council of Unions, her absence will be felt at the QTU, her contribution and loyalty to which cannot be overstated.
Through her contribution, countless members are safe, financially stable, protected and supported, and her impact will continue to improve the lives and careers of members for many years to come.