Queensland’s education sector is set for a major disruption on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, as thousands of teachers and school leaders prepare to strike in protest against worsening conditions and government inaction.
The Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) has confirmed that more than 38,000 members voted overwhelmingly in favour of protected industrial action, marking the first statewide strike since 2009.
The strike is a direct response to the Queensland government’s failure to deliver a meaningful offer that addresses the teacher shortage crisis, escalating workloads, and unsafe working environments. QTU President Ms Cresta Richardson said the action is about protecting the future of education in Queensland.
She emphasised that this is not just a pay dispute, but a broader issue affecting students, families, and communities. “Schools are short on teachers, our members are working longer unpaid hours, and the government’s offer fails to address the real challenges facing our profession,” Ms Richardson said.
QTU General Secretary Ms Kate Ruttiman said the ballot result reflects widespread frustration among teachers and school leaders across the state. She cited burnout, occupational violence, and a lack of targeted support as key drivers of the crisis.
“The government knows about these issues but continues to rely on a generic wages offer that doesn’t differentiate or address the realities of our schools,” Ms Ruttiman said. “It’s just not good enough.”
The government’s proposed three-year, eight per cent wage increase has been criticised for potentially leaving Queensland teachers among the lowest paid in the country by the end of the agreement. Ms Richardson warned that such an outcome would make it even harder to attract and retain qualified educators.
“We need nation-leading salaries now – not in three years – if we’re serious about solving the teacher shortage,” she said.
While members of the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) cannot legally join the strike, they have voiced strong support for the QTU’s action. IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Mr Terry Burke said the union stands united with QTU members in their fight for professional recognition and respect.
“IEU members share the same commitment to securing professional wages and conditions for educators,” Mr Burke said. “State sector wage outcomes affect the broader education profession, including non-government schools.”
IEU members at more than 1,200 non-government schools and early childhood centres across Queensland are meeting this week to pass resolutions of support for the QTU strike. Mr Burke emphasised that solidarity among educators is essential to driving systemic change. “When QTU members take action to protect the future of education in Queensland, IEU members will always stand united alongside them,” he said.
The strike follows a series of rallies in Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Toowoomba, with further demonstrations planned for the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, and Cairns. QTU organiser Mr Zeb Sugden said educators in regional areas are equally affected by the crisis. “There’s a genuine feeling that enough is enough,” Mr Sugden said. “Our members can’t keep giving without recognition or respect.”
QTU leaders are working to ensure parents and caregivers understand the reasons behind the strike, stressing that the action is about protecting the quality of education for all Queensland students.
“We’re humbled by the overwhelming support from the community,” Ms Ruttiman said. “People understand this is about more than a 24-hour work stoppage – it’s about securing the future of our schools.”
The QTU’s action coincides with the start of conciliation in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. Ms Richardson expressed confidence that the Commissioner will recognise the legitimacy of the union’s demands. “These are genuine, widespread issues that won’t solve themselves,” she said. “We’re not doing this for ourselves – we’re doing it for students, families, and the future of education.”
