2017 teacher transfer appeal process

Each year, there are QTU members who either receive a required transfer that they do not want to accept or who have requested but not received a transfer to a specific geographic area and/or region.

For both categories of members there are appeal processes, and relevant teacher transfer appeal information is provided on the QTU website and on the DET intranet site.

To be successful in appealing a required transfer, whether inter-regional or intra-regional, you must provide evidence proving that the transfer is unreasonable.

Changes to the 2017 process

In 2017, the following changes have been made.

• There will be a slightly more formal local level process before a teacher lodges an appeal with regional office. Teachers should discuss their concerns about a transfer or non-transfer with their principal and this stage of the process will now include a teleconference with a regional officer, during which the teacher can have a Union Representative or other support person with them. The teacher will receive an email confirming the outcome of this stage of the process.
• There will be an external review/appeal stage for non-transfers.
• Timelines are the same for both appeals against transfer and appeals against non-transfer (see table).

Intra-regional transfer appeals

The unreasonableness threshold for a transfer to a school within 50 minutes of a teacher’s current residence is relatively difficult to attain, as for most teachers a transfer under these circumstances will be considered reasonable. There may be cases where teachers have particular compassionate circumstances in relation to the health and wellbeing of immediate family members, resulting in caring and other responsibilities that may limit travel time.

Others may have a medical condition that could limit travel time. In cases such as these, specific specialist medical and other evidence needs to be provided to the department as part of the appeal process. During the transfer process in term two, however, teachers should have been advised of the possibility of a transfer and been provided with an opportunity to provide reasons and evidence as to why they cannot accept an intra-regional transfer, enabling most of these situations to be avoided. 

Inter-regional transfer appeals

Teachers are generally informed of the department’s intention to transfer them to another region in term two. This usually provides an opportunity to provide the department with relevant information and evidence as to why the proposed transfer may be unreasonable.

While there may be more relevant grounds in considering whether or not a transfer is reasonable than is the case for an intra-regional transfer, nevertheless significant evidence is required and should be in the form of documentary evidence wherever possible. QTU members considering appealing a required inter-regional transfer should read the relevant information on the QTU website before contacting the QTU office for further information.

2017 transfer release date

2017 teacher transfers will be released on Thursday 14 September, when you will receive emails either outlining a proposed transfer or indicating that a transfer has not yet been granted. If you do not receive a requested transfer on 14 September, be aware that the department will continue to consider your application up until the end of the school year and during the summer vacation. Members in this situation should contact both the department and the QTU to seek further information and advice about the prospects of transfer before the start of the 2018 school year. In 2016, a large number of transfers were released after the end of term three.

For further information and/or advice, contact QTAD on 1300 11 7823 or visit www.qtu.asn.au

Jeff Backen                                                                                                                       Assistant Secretary (Services/Welfare)

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 122 No 6, 25 August 2017, p12