Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory
Education Union Cheers Matt Smith’s Election
The election of the new member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith, has been welcomed by the union representing non-government school teachers and support staff.
Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Branch Secretary Terry Burke said Mr Smith represents an area that is home to many non-government schools.
“Non-government education is central to Far North Queensland communities, particularly in supporting students from regional and remote areas through boarding house facilities,” Mr Burke said.
“Quality education in those schools is reliant on working conditions that attract and retain high quality staff.
“As a former union organiser, Mr Smith understands the importance of a fair go for workers.
“We look forward to working with him to address the particular challenges in our sector, including professional rates of pay, workload and work intensification, fair funding arrangements and rebuilding respect for teachers in the community,” he said.
Mr Burke said the IEU-QNT had communicated with its members prior to the federal election about important industrial reforms introduced under the Albanese government.
“The last three years saw the most significant enhancements to rights at work in over a decade,” Mr Burke said.