Meet the QTU Education Leaders Committee

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 8, 1 November 2024, page no. 18

The Education Leaders Committee (ELC) is made up of 15 school leaders, including principals and deputy principals from all sectors and school types. The committee’s focus is on monitoring and providing advice on the QTU School Leaders’ Strategy. It advocates for educational leaders on key issues, such as health and wellbeing, government initiatives, and change management processes. Additionally, the ELC contributes to national policy through the Australian Education Union and helps shape industrial agreements. The committee also organises the QTU Education Leaders’ United Leadership Conference.

Andrew Beattie
The Education Leaders Committee ensures effective consultation and feedback can occur directly with school leaders on DoE initiatives and their impact at the school level, including on the work conditions of school leaders. 

Zan Branford
As a Wiradjuri and Wailwan man I am passionate about ensuring increased representation of First Nations people as school leaders and the celebrations of their success – representation of our people at all levels of the system is an important goal as it is extremely challenging to be what we don’t see. 

Chris Capra 
I joined ELC to contribute to addressing issues that impact on school leaders through our industrial body.  With such rapid changes in society and therefore education, having a say in how policy and procedure is shaped is important.

Janet Firmstone
I appreciate the opportunity to network with leaders from across all school sectors and regions as we each bring our unique perspective to our discussions. From remote small schools and special schools to large urban schools – as a collective we have a voice that is valued by the QTU Executive.  

Shane Hancock
I am on the committee to give a voice to primary deputy principals as school leaders with specific role issues that affect them in schools. Our employer prioritises principals in the system however deputy principals often don’t have representation alongside principals when it comes to the complexities of their role at a systemic level. 

Sarah Holcombe
I joined ELC so that I could extend my Union advocacy beyond my area of South Queensland and be a part of influencing policy, agenda and decision-making. The opportunity to work with leaders across the state who are also passionate QTU advocates is something I value immensely in my work and professional growth.  

Kathleen Janecek
Being part of this committee allows me to contribute to meaningful changes that benefit both educators and students, ensuring that our schools are well-equipped to provide high-quality education in a supportive and sustainable environment.

Mark Johnstone
I’ve developed a deep passion for advocating from a principal’s perspective. I want to contribute to making our profession in Queensland better, ensuring that the voices of school leaders are heard and that we create an environment where both educators and students can thrive.

Jennifer McLeod
I joined the Education Leaders Committee to have a voice for middle leaders (HoSES), to be fully informed of my rights and responsibilities and be kept up to date with current issues and trends.

Anne Rathmell
As an experienced school leader, I feel it is important to have a voice and actively contribute to the democratic process of our great Union, hence my involvement with the Education Leaders Committee.

Nicholas Shirley (Chair)
By working together, we ensure that the voices and concerns of school leaders are heard and that they have the resources needed to navigate the complexities of today’s educational landscape.

Jenny Swadling
I am on the Educational Leaders’ Committee to advocate for the needs and rights of educational leaders, ensuring that their voices are represented in decisions impacting upon schools. My role allows me to collaborate with fellow leaders to influence policy and improve professional standards across the education sector.

Aleksandr Taylor-Gough
Seeing the positive outcomes advocated for by the Education Leaders Committee implemented demonstrates how vital these committees are to our Union, as we continue raising the status and profile of the best profession in Queensland.