STATE COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2026
Bargaining for members' interests, not interest-based bargaining!
A strategy to win!
A voice for members!

We are QTU members who are building a rank-and-file union movement that fights for us — one that stands up to government, no matter who is in power, and is prepared to use our power as workers, industrial action, to win our demands. We saw two impressive strikes last year — but they were the first in sixteen years! Why have our leaders waited so long to call us out?

We're experienced, committed unionists with a clear strategy for what we need, and how we're going to win.

A strategy to win
After our amazing strike in August last year, State Council voted to pause any consideration of industrial action. This took the pressure off the department when we needed to increase it. We need a strategy based on our industrial strength – looking to withdrawing our labour and striking. If elected, we will fight for:

  • A plan for escalating industrial action, so bargaining doesn’t stretch on for months while conditions worsen.
  • Delegate training on use of industrial action to resolve issues regarding safety and breaches of the agreement
Bargaining for members’ interests, not 'interest-based bargaining'
In 2024, members were clear about our demands: 10%+ per year, more planning time, more planning days, greater incentives for regional and remote teaching. If elected, we will fight for:

  • A log of claims built directly from branch motions, clearly stating members’ demands
  • A campaign that publicly articulates our demands from day one
A voice for members
Throughout 2025 during negotiations (before conciliation), members were provided with very little clarity on the progress of negotiations. If elected, we will fight for:

  • Member participation and overview of bargaining
  • Clear, regular updates during negotiations
  • A transparent process for adopting or rejecting offers
  • State Council delegate training – to ensure that all members elected to the body are aware of their responsibilities
  • Greater democratic input from members
  • Candidate statements to be shared for union elections
  • Members deserve to know what is being negotiated in their name - and how.

  1. Look for ballot in the mail from the Electoral Commission of Queensland (check your pigeonhole at work!)
  2. Place a [1] in the box beside your Fightback candidate's name
  3. Follow the ballot instructions and post your ballot ASAP
  4. Email industrial@ecq.qld.gov.au for a replacement ballot or for any questions

  • Meets four times a year
  • Made up of rank-and-file members plus the senior officers
  • Key decision-making body of our union, and it elects the QTU Executive plus other positions
  • Recent decisions include adopting our five "interest areas" instead of clear and specific log of claims, and pausing consideration of industrial action after our amazing strike on 6 August


Printed and authorised by Tim Arnot