The Minister for Education, Training and Employment John Paul Langbroek today addressed 120 delegates at the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) State Council.
Minister Langbroek reinforced the Newman Government’s commitment to consultation with the QTU, speaking with President Kevin Bates and General Secretary Graham Moloney, as well as other Queensland teacher representatives and QTU staff.
“I was very grateful for the opportunity to talk with the QTU, which has over 45,000 members covering our state schools and TAFEs,” said Mr Langbroek.
“I confirmed the Newman Government’s ‘crayon to career’ view of education and the need to foster Queensland’s kids as they are the future of our state.
“It is my belief that education is not partisan and to make it so would betray those that we seek to educate, because our energies should be devoted to them and their future not headlines or political point-scoring.”
Mr Langbroek acknowledged Enterprise Bargaining negotiations are never easy.
“There is a 2.7% pay offer on the table which is fair. The teachers I have met with across the state have acknowledged this is reasonable in the current economic circumstances as well as the LNP’s commitment to protecting front line jobs.”
Mr Langbroek said the EBA negotiations were now about conditions and policy matters, which should be part of an ongoing conversation between the Union and the Government.
“Having matters of policy included in the conditions of an enterprise bargaining agreement compromises both discussions,” he said.
Mr Langbroek wrapped up his address saying he was determined to cut unnecessary red tape for school teachers and principals, so more time can be spent providing our students with a quality education.
