Changes to the 2022 teacher transfer process

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No 3, 14 April 2022, page no. 26

This article provides members with an update on the 2022 transfer process, explains some of changes introduced this year, and corrects incorrect information included in the March Journal.

Guaranteed transfers

In 2022, the department is increasing the number of teachers who are eligible for a guaranteed transfer.

Teachers who have undertaken the minimum service in 4-7 rating schools will be guaranteed a transfer to either two or three geographic areas. Teachers who have 20 or more transfer points or are in AMP centres will only be required to nominate two geographic area preferences. Teachers with less than 20 transfer points will be required to nominate three geographic area preferences. 

The QTU continues to negotiate with the department to reduce the number of geographic areas teachers must identify for a guaranteed return transfer. The department has acknowledged that, since the inception of guaranteed return transfers, about 95 per cent of applicants with 20 transfer points or above received their first preference. This outcome supports the QTU’s request that teachers should not have to submit three (3) geographic preferences. The QTU notes in 2022 some guaranteed transfer applicants will only have to nominate two (2) geographic areas, which is a slight improvement on past requirements.

Change from annual to continuous process

From this year, the teacher transfer process will change from a cyclic process to a continuous application and placement process. Teachers can apply for a transfer at any time of the year (after 26 April) and will be notified at the time their transfer is confirmed. Transfer applications will remain active until a placement is made. Prior to their placement confirmation, teachers also have the option to withdraw their transfer application if their circumstances change. 

The QTU advises teachers wanting a transfer for the following year to submit their transfer application as soon as possible after the relevant opening date, to ensure their application is considered from the earliest possible time. The QTU will provide updated advice to members for the 2023 transfer process. 

Compassionate transfers

From 2022 there will only be one category of compassionate transfer applications, and a new process for considering these applications will be implemented involving a central panel with QTU representation. There will no longer be a pressing and personal circumstances category. 

Removal of “expression of preference (EOP)” as a transfer type in MyHR 

Teachers wanting a transfer will submit a transfer application.

QTU advice

Members interested in the guaranteed transfer process and wishing to return to a specific region or geographic area, e.g. the Sunshine Coast, should obtain clear advice from departmental officers about what service will deliver a transfer to their preferred area or areas. For example, three years in a four-point school will not usually guarantee a transfer to the Sunshine Coast geographic area for a primary school teacher.

Notwithstanding the change to a continuous, on-going transfer process, members are advised to lodge transfer applications as soon as they able to ensure they are considered for the maximum number of vacancies.

Members who are currently in rural/remote areas and are applying for transfer should note that, as in 2021, they will only apply for geographic areas. Teachers who prefer particular schools in a geographic area are advised to list these schools in their application and to contact those schools if necessary.

Members applying for transfer in 2022 who have questions about the process can contact the Queensland Teacher Assist Desk (QTAD) on 1300 11 7823 in the first instance.

2022 transfer application process – proposed key dates 

Unfortunately, an article about the 2022 teacher transfer process in the March Journal included some incorrect key dates. The correct information is below (it is subject to change).

26 April	Applications open for all teacher transfers.
26 April	Distribution of email to teachers eligible for transfer in the SE corner to promote rural/remote priority service.
29 May	Closing date for 2023 guaranteed transfer applications.
14 September	All 2023 guaranteed transfer placements to be confirmed.
15 September	Teachers with an active transfer application and yet to receive a transfer placement will be notified. At this point teachers can nominate to keep their application active for ongoing consideration or withdraw their application.

By Jeff Backen, Assistant Secretary

Visit www.qtu.asn.au/transfers for updates