Bundaberg QTU members didn’t let an early Sunday morning start dissuade them from taking an opportunity to meet with the Shadow Education Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham.

Dr Lynham was in Bundaberg for other portfolio responsibilities, but indicated a desire to meet with local teachers and principals to hear of their concerns and suggestions for enhancing schools.

Members raised a variety of topics with Dr Lynham, who listened carefully and committed a future ALP state government to collaborating with teachers in a positive manner.

It was pleasing to hear Dr Lynham assure members that any government he was a part of would be absolutely committed to retaining and enhancing teaching conditions in schools.He also ruled out the need for contracts for principals and deputy principals, referring to his own experience with doctor contracts. 

Dr Lynham engaged meaningfully and indicated he would bear in mind concerns raised by QTU members at the meeting while he finalises the ALP education position for the next state election.

Allan Cook
QTU Executive

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 119 No 8, 14 November 2014, p27