135 years of Union achievement
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 6, 23 August 2024, page 28.
On 9 January 1889, 23 teachers and principals from schools across the colony of Queensland met in Brisbane to establish the first teachers’ union on this continent – the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU).
Today, more than 48,000 educators in Queensland schools and TAFEs choose to belong to the QTU. We are here to help you in times of difficulty, to negotiate better pay and conditions, and to work on your behalf to promote the teaching profession. This is something we have done for 135 years, and something that we will continue to do for many more to come.
To celebrate 135 years of Union achievement, we are taking a look back on some snapshots of Union history.
Through the structures of their Union, members have many ways to influence its direction, including the election of the President, Vice-President and Honorary Vice-President. These positions are elected by a direct ballot of all members every three years and are all filled by classroom teachers on leave from the Department of Education for the duration of their terms.
The President has many duties associated with promoting and defending the state school system and the teaching and learning conditions within it. To achieve these goals, they work closely with parents, teachers and school leaders, negotiate with the department, government and outside bodies, and form an integral part of public campaigns. The President is also the chief media spokesperson, and they travel to all parts of Queensland to consult, talk and hear from members.
Structural changes in the 1960s saw the introduction of the full-time, rank and file-elected presidency, providing the foundations for the very different style of Union that developed during the 1970s and that has endured until today.
![](https://www.qtu.asn.au/application/files/6017/2403/0056/Kerr-James-Semple_Telegraph_436x612px.jpg)
1889
The Union’s first president, J.S Kerr is elected.
![](/application/files/thumbnails/small/6517/2402/8441/Don-Ruth_P_307_Ruth_Don_portrait_CMYK_GB.jpg)
1951
Ruth Don becomes the first woman to be elected QTU President.
![](/application/files/thumbnails/small/2417/2402/8420/Semple-Gavin_P33_CMYK_GB.jpg)
1969
Gavin Semple is elected as the QTU’s first full-time President.
![](https://www.qtu.asn.au/application/files/8117/2403/1718/Cresta-Richardson-436x610.gif)
2021
Currently, QTU President Cresta Richardson leads the QTU by chairing all official QTU gatherings, including Biennial Conference, State Council and Executive meetings.