Community & Business
11 September, 2025
“Teachers teaching” rally in Warwick
Teachers rally in Warwick
About 50 local teachers took to Leslie Park in Warwick last week in a rally to improve conditions.
The Queensland Teachers Union held rolling statewide demonstrations last week including in Warwick. QTU vice-president Leah Olsson told The Town & Country Journal that the union represents about 51,000 state schoolteachers and leaders in Queensland.
In Warwick, teachers rallied for the attraction and retention of staff, which is particularly difficult in regional areas. Another significant issue is safe and supportive school environments. According to the union, conversations have centred on how to better support educators involved in health and safety incidents − especially in cases involving occupational violence or aggression.
“The Union has strongly advocated for a review of existing reporting systems and response protocols to ensure they are not only robust, but also trauma-informed, consistent, and accessible.”
QTU President Cresta Richardson says this action is continuing as conciliation in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission progresses.
“The decision on the weekend to pause industrial action is a deliberate move made in good faith to support the conciliation process.”
“This strategic decision to pause protected industrial action allows the conciliation process to take its course and hopefully deliver a deal that’s fair and that members see value in,” Ms Richardson added.
The union’s bargaining unit is pushing the theme of “teachers teaching” and “leaders leading.” This has evolved with widespread concern among members that, too often, administrative burdens and systemic constraints detract from educators’ ability to focus on their core roles.
QTU organiser Scott Welch says local school communities want recognition, respect and the resources they need.
“And it’s human resources we need most right now — teachers and school leaders. We need to attract and retain staff for local schools to function properly and students to prosper,“ Mr Welch said.
QTU Organiser Zeb Sugden said local Southern Downs teachers and school leaders want their patch recognised.
“These rallies are increasingly easy to put together. We have a very motivated and intelligent group of school leaders and teachers who are demanding change, change that helps them and their students,” Mr Sugden said.
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