I have been a classroom teacher since 1978 and have a wealth of experience not only in schools but also as a QTU representative at school level and Council/Conference level, I have always had a strong belief in unionism.

Over the years I have seen the changes in the role of the classroom teacher and the role of the QTU in decision making and that is why I am lending my support to the fight back team of Ollie, Tim and Bec.

We need to stand up and make our voices heard, we need action and to have a strong voice when advocating for our profession so that our conditions are not further eroded. I have a son and a daughter in law teachers as well as a daughter training to be a teacher and I want to retire knowing they are going to be represented by people who are advocating for their professional rights. I believe the Fightback team can do this for all teachers.

We need to fight back in order to get back our professional voice.

Gemma Finney

Classroom Teacher,
Sunnybank SHS

Comrades

You can vote for more of the same, or you can vote for a change.

What’s the worst thing that could happen? The QTU gets a little more militant and teachers get a little more pay and better conditions?

I would take that chance, absolutely.
Cheers

Mark Linkson

QTU member 2000-2019
President, Independent Education Union (NT) 1994
Executive, Australian Education Union (NT) 1997
President, QTU TAFE Cairns branch 2014-18
QTU TAFE Council member 2015–19

As a teacher of over 20 years with experience across the primary and secondary sector, I’m supporting the QTU Fightback candidates. These are experienced educators, campaigners and grassroots unionists who want to make positive change. If you’re for fighting for genuinely fair wages, real workload reduction, and improved democracy in our union, then QTU Fightback is worth checking out.

Brenden Humberdross

Workplace rep and classroom teacher
Hervey Bay State High School

As a Senior Teacher, I firmly believe that workload is the biggest issue facing our beloved profession. In terms of retention and recruitment, it is the everyday little things that add up.

I have worked with Tim, have met both Bec and Ollie and know that as current practicing teachers they understand the day-to-day issues stemming from classroom management/behaviour, covid, curriculum changes and general workload intensification.

The status quo is no longer acceptable for me and as a result I will be voting for the 'QTU Fightback' team in the upcoming QTU elections. I encourage you all to deeply consider your vote, ask questions of our candidates, and hold them accountable (whoever you ultimately choose).

Gabe King

Classroom teacher