1,000 signatures reached
To: Premier David Crisafulli
Support our safety!
Dear Premier,
Queensland state schools are incredible.
Queensland state schools are incredible.
But a recent survey of Queensland Teachers' Union members, which received over 9000 responses, found that:
- seven in ten QTU members have experienced a serious physical assault in their workplace
- more than 80 per cent of those report psychological stress and anxiety from this experience
- close to 60 per cent are considering leaving the profession because of safety concerns.
Immediate action is needed to ensure our state's teachers and school leaders are safe and protected from occupational violence and aggression.
This month's State Budget is your government's opportunity to do this.
As Premier of Queensland, we are calling on you to amend the Criminal Code Act to include teachers, school leaders, and frontline workers in state schools and TAFE.
This simple no-cost ask would signal to the broader community that violence in state education will not be tolerated, and that perpetrators of violence and aggression in state schools and TAFEs will face the same consequences as those who commit similar offences in other settings in our community.
Higher criminal penalties would be an appropriate deterrent, improving safety in state education, and supporting the commitment you made to all of Queensland that you would address the rising teacher shortage crisis in state education.
Higher criminal penalties would be an appropriate deterrent, improving safety in state education, and supporting the commitment you made to all of Queensland that you would address the rising teacher shortage crisis in state education.
Why is this important?
Queensland state school teachers and leaders carry out one of the most essential, influential, invaluable roles in our community - educating the next generation.
While their work underpins just about everything necessary for a fair, thriving, equitable society, Queensland teachers and leaders are also currently reporting increased stress and anxiety, stemming from issues related to rising workplace injuries, assaults and threats.
While their work underpins just about everything necessary for a fair, thriving, equitable society, Queensland teachers and leaders are also currently reporting increased stress and anxiety, stemming from issues related to rising workplace injuries, assaults and threats.
· Teacher and student wellbeing and learning are at risk. Every worker must have the right to attend their workplace safe from harm or violence - teachers should not be any different. A safe and healthy workplace is a legal right for employees and a legal obligation of the employer.
· The teacher shortage crisis will only worsen unless educators can be assured of their safety at work. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are key contributors to experienced teachers leaving the profession and the lack of new people joining it.
· It’s about government responsibility to ensure the ongoing future of strong, sustainable, equitable public education that delivers on its promise – “Brighter Futures – delivering excellence in every state school.”
Current legislation simply isn’t protecting Queensland state school teachers and leaders as required.
Sign our petition and send a clear message to the Premier - great state schools need teachers and leaders who are safe from occupational violence and aggression.
How it will be delivered
Email and in person.