Penny Allman-Payne (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak in support of our public school teachers. Next Wednesday teachers in Queensland will go on strike for the first time in over 15 years, standing together to demand better pay and conditions and recognition for the essential work that they do. As a Queensland public school teacher myself for more than 25 years, I know the commitment and dedication teachers bring to the classroom every day, and for most it's a labour of love.

Teachers work tirelessly and passionately every day to educate and support our kids, often in incredibly challenging conditions. Teachers in the public system in particular do the heavy lifting when it comes to improving outcomes for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged students. Yet most public school teachers remain poorly paid and face unacceptable working conditions in a system that on its current trajectory will be underfunded for another decade. It's driving good teachers out of the classroom and disincentivising people from entering the workforce altogether. This is a disservice not only to teachers but to the students who rely on them.

Today's NAPLAN results show us what happens when you don't value teaching and learning. While students from more privileged backgrounds continue to perform well, those from disadvantaged backgrounds are falling further behind. If we're to have any chance of reversing this trend and lifting all kids up, we need to invest in our teachers, reward them properly for their work and ensure they have the in-class supports that allow them to do their jobs properly. Teaching conditions are learning conditions. That's why I would urge all Queenslanders to support next week's strike action by Queensland's public school teachers and join their calls for fairer pay and better working conditions—solidarity with Queensland's teachers.