Latest news with #John-PaulLangbroek
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Hard lesson as crumbling state schools face $441m fix
Angry teachers demanding better pay and conditions are being exposed to leaking roofs, crumbling walls and mould at schools because a lack of funding. A day after the biggest teachers' strike in Queensland history, a damning report has revealed a staggering $441 million repair bill to fix schools across the state. The independent assessor's report claimed a third of state school assets were in poor condition and warned of health risks if it didn't improve. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek blamed the previous Labor government for the backlog of "unfit for purpose" school facilities that will take years to fix. "We've heard about ceilings with exposed joists, termites in window frames, leaking roofs, gutters ... that are of real concern," he told a budget estimates hearing on Thursday. "Now the repair bill is more than $441 million. "It's higher because delays and dilly-dallying have left infrastructure worse than anticipated." The Comprehensive Review of Infrastructure Renewal report, commissioned by the former Labor government in 2022, detailed the state of schools endured by unhappy teachers. Thousands of educators walked off the job across the state on Wednesday demanding better pay and conditions after wage deal talks broke down. Mr Langbroek on Thursday said the repair backlog was another issue teachers had to deal with after the independent report warned there was no quick fix. Money had been diverted to new facilities over the years and insufficient funding to address debilitating infrastructure had led to further decay at schools, the report said. Hundreds of schools needed repair, with some featuring damaged stairs, termite issues and mould. "The current asset condition summary is representative of an infrastructure asset base with extensive deterioration that needs significant investment in renewal now and for the coming years," the report said. If the repair backlog continued, health and safety issues may arise and the bill could blow out to more than $900 million by 2028/29, the report warned. After assessors visited 1266 state schools, 32.2 per cent of assets were rated poor, 37 per cent fair and 29.2 per cent good. An asset is rated "poor" if it is badly deteriorated and components fail frequently. Queensland schools built after December 2017 and new buildings constructed after October 2021 were not factored into the assessment. A four-year investment proposal to address repairs was outlined in the report. The Liberal National government would invest $589 million towards facility renewal, legislative obligations, safety and upgrade programs in the coming years, Mr Langbroek said. The Queensland government has referred the pay negotiations to the Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation. More than 50,000 union members abandoned their classrooms on Wednesday after voting to strike for the first time in 16 years. Angry teachers demanding better pay and conditions are being exposed to leaking roofs, crumbling walls and mould at schools because a lack of funding. A day after the biggest teachers' strike in Queensland history, a damning report has revealed a staggering $441 million repair bill to fix schools across the state. The independent assessor's report claimed a third of state school assets were in poor condition and warned of health risks if it didn't improve. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek blamed the previous Labor government for the backlog of "unfit for purpose" school facilities that will take years to fix. "We've heard about ceilings with exposed joists, termites in window frames, leaking roofs, gutters ... that are of real concern," he told a budget estimates hearing on Thursday. "Now the repair bill is more than $441 million. "It's higher because delays and dilly-dallying have left infrastructure worse than anticipated." The Comprehensive Review of Infrastructure Renewal report, commissioned by the former Labor government in 2022, detailed the state of schools endured by unhappy teachers. Thousands of educators walked off the job across the state on Wednesday demanding better pay and conditions after wage deal talks broke down. Mr Langbroek on Thursday said the repair backlog was another issue teachers had to deal with after the independent report warned there was no quick fix. Money had been diverted to new facilities over the years and insufficient funding to address debilitating infrastructure had led to further decay at schools, the report said. Hundreds of schools needed repair, with some featuring damaged stairs, termite issues and mould. "The current asset condition summary is representative of an infrastructure asset base with extensive deterioration that needs significant investment in renewal now and for the coming years," the report said. If the repair backlog continued, health and safety issues may arise and the bill could blow out to more than $900 million by 2028/29, the report warned. After assessors visited 1266 state schools, 32.2 per cent of assets were rated poor, 37 per cent fair and 29.2 per cent good. An asset is rated "poor" if it is badly deteriorated and components fail frequently. Queensland schools built after December 2017 and new buildings constructed after October 2021 were not factored into the assessment. A four-year investment proposal to address repairs was outlined in the report. The Liberal National government would invest $589 million towards facility renewal, legislative obligations, safety and upgrade programs in the coming years, Mr Langbroek said. The Queensland government has referred the pay negotiations to the Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation. More than 50,000 union members abandoned their classrooms on Wednesday after voting to strike for the first time in 16 years. Angry teachers demanding better pay and conditions are being exposed to leaking roofs, crumbling walls and mould at schools because a lack of funding. A day after the biggest teachers' strike in Queensland history, a damning report has revealed a staggering $441 million repair bill to fix schools across the state. The independent assessor's report claimed a third of state school assets were in poor condition and warned of health risks if it didn't improve. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek blamed the previous Labor government for the backlog of "unfit for purpose" school facilities that will take years to fix. "We've heard about ceilings with exposed joists, termites in window frames, leaking roofs, gutters ... that are of real concern," he told a budget estimates hearing on Thursday. "Now the repair bill is more than $441 million. "It's higher because delays and dilly-dallying have left infrastructure worse than anticipated." The Comprehensive Review of Infrastructure Renewal report, commissioned by the former Labor government in 2022, detailed the state of schools endured by unhappy teachers. Thousands of educators walked off the job across the state on Wednesday demanding better pay and conditions after wage deal talks broke down. Mr Langbroek on Thursday said the repair backlog was another issue teachers had to deal with after the independent report warned there was no quick fix. Money had been diverted to new facilities over the years and insufficient funding to address debilitating infrastructure had led to further decay at schools, the report said. Hundreds of schools needed repair, with some featuring damaged stairs, termite issues and mould. "The current asset condition summary is representative of an infrastructure asset base with extensive deterioration that needs significant investment in renewal now and for the coming years," the report said. If the repair backlog continued, health and safety issues may arise and the bill could blow out to more than $900 million by 2028/29, the report warned. After assessors visited 1266 state schools, 32.2 per cent of assets were rated poor, 37 per cent fair and 29.2 per cent good. An asset is rated "poor" if it is badly deteriorated and components fail frequently. Queensland schools built after December 2017 and new buildings constructed after October 2021 were not factored into the assessment. A four-year investment proposal to address repairs was outlined in the report. The Liberal National government would invest $589 million towards facility renewal, legislative obligations, safety and upgrade programs in the coming years, Mr Langbroek said. The Queensland government has referred the pay negotiations to the Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation. More than 50,000 union members abandoned their classrooms on Wednesday after voting to strike for the first time in 16 years. Angry teachers demanding better pay and conditions are being exposed to leaking roofs, crumbling walls and mould at schools because a lack of funding. A day after the biggest teachers' strike in Queensland history, a damning report has revealed a staggering $441 million repair bill to fix schools across the state. The independent assessor's report claimed a third of state school assets were in poor condition and warned of health risks if it didn't improve. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek blamed the previous Labor government for the backlog of "unfit for purpose" school facilities that will take years to fix. "We've heard about ceilings with exposed joists, termites in window frames, leaking roofs, gutters ... that are of real concern," he told a budget estimates hearing on Thursday. "Now the repair bill is more than $441 million. "It's higher because delays and dilly-dallying have left infrastructure worse than anticipated." The Comprehensive Review of Infrastructure Renewal report, commissioned by the former Labor government in 2022, detailed the state of schools endured by unhappy teachers. Thousands of educators walked off the job across the state on Wednesday demanding better pay and conditions after wage deal talks broke down. Mr Langbroek on Thursday said the repair backlog was another issue teachers had to deal with after the independent report warned there was no quick fix. Money had been diverted to new facilities over the years and insufficient funding to address debilitating infrastructure had led to further decay at schools, the report said. Hundreds of schools needed repair, with some featuring damaged stairs, termite issues and mould. "The current asset condition summary is representative of an infrastructure asset base with extensive deterioration that needs significant investment in renewal now and for the coming years," the report said. If the repair backlog continued, health and safety issues may arise and the bill could blow out to more than $900 million by 2028/29, the report warned. After assessors visited 1266 state schools, 32.2 per cent of assets were rated poor, 37 per cent fair and 29.2 per cent good. An asset is rated "poor" if it is badly deteriorated and components fail frequently. Queensland schools built after December 2017 and new buildings constructed after October 2021 were not factored into the assessment. A four-year investment proposal to address repairs was outlined in the report. The Liberal National government would invest $589 million towards facility renewal, legislative obligations, safety and upgrade programs in the coming years, Mr Langbroek said. The Queensland government has referred the pay negotiations to the Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation. More than 50,000 union members abandoned their classrooms on Wednesday after voting to strike for the first time in 16 years.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Hard lesson as crumbling state schools face $441m fix
Angry teachers demanding better pay and conditions are being exposed to leaking roofs, crumbling walls and mould at schools because a lack of funding. A day after the biggest teachers' strike in Queensland history, a damning report has revealed a staggering $441 million repair bill to fix schools across the state. The independent assessor's report claimed a third of state school assets were in poor condition and warned of health risks if it didn't improve. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek blamed the previous Labor government for the backlog of "unfit for purpose" school facilities that will take years to fix. "We've heard about ceilings with exposed joists, termites in window frames, leaking roofs, gutters ... that are of real concern," he told a budget estimates hearing on Thursday. "Now the repair bill is more than $441 million. "It's higher because delays and dilly-dallying have left infrastructure worse than anticipated." The Comprehensive Review of Infrastructure Renewal report, commissioned by the former Labor government in 2022, detailed the state of schools endured by unhappy teachers. Thousands of educators walked off the job across the state on Wednesday demanding better pay and conditions after wage deal talks broke down. Mr Langbroek on Thursday said the repair backlog was another issue teachers had to deal with after the independent report warned there was no quick fix. Money had been diverted to new facilities over the years and insufficient funding to address debilitating infrastructure had led to further decay at schools, the report said. Hundreds of schools needed repair, with some featuring damaged stairs, termite issues and mould. "The current asset condition summary is representative of an infrastructure asset base with extensive deterioration that needs significant investment in renewal now and for the coming years," the report said. If the repair backlog continued, health and safety issues may arise and the bill could blow out to more than $900 million by 2028/29, the report warned. After assessors visited 1266 state schools, 32.2 per cent of assets were rated poor, 37 per cent fair and 29.2 per cent good. An asset is rated "poor" if it is badly deteriorated and components fail frequently. Queensland schools built after December 2017 and new buildings constructed after October 2021 were not factored into the assessment. A four-year investment proposal to address repairs was outlined in the report. The Liberal National government would invest $589 million towards facility renewal, legislative obligations, safety and upgrade programs in the coming years, Mr Langbroek said. The education minister is seeking to continue negotiations with the teachers union, which has not ruled out further industrial action. The Queensland government has referred the pay negotiations to the Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation. More than 50,000 union members abandoned their classrooms on Wednesday after voting to strike for the first time in 16 years.
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
One in three state school buildings across Queensland labelled ‘unfit for purpose' as shocking report uncovers years of neglect
Thousands of Queensland students are attending classes in rotting buildings riddled with mould, termite damage and structural decay, as a new report lays bare the consequences of years of chronic underfunding. The Comprehensive Review of Infrastructure Renewal, commissioned in 2022 by the Labor government and conducted by independent firms AssetFuture and Aurecon, found that 33.7 per cent of state school facilities were either badly deteriorated or deemed unfit for use, with the figure jumping above 50 per cent in Brisbane's metro north and south regions. The report warned that if the current maintenance backlog isn't addressed swiftly, taxpayers could be facing a $6.9 billion repair bill by 2035. A four-year investment strategy was recommended, but assessors said even with that, the work could not be completed within a single year. 'This independent report shows Labor starved our education system of the funding it needs to maintain schools,' Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek told the Courier Mail. Inspectors visited 1,266 schools across Queensland from 2022 to the end of 2023 and their findings included leaking and collapsing roofs, damaged stairs and retaining walls, widespread mould, and evidence of pest infestation. Despite ongoing updates being shared with the Department of Education through to 2024, there was no public disclosure of the investigations until the final report was handed down to the government in February this year. Instead of addressing decaying infrastructure, funds were redirected into new buildings like sports halls, playgrounds and performance venues, leaving vital maintenance work to fall by the wayside. In North Queensland, 40 per cent of state school assets were reported in poor or very poor conditions. However, the true scale of the problem may be worse, with the report noting that key infrastructure such as lifts, air conditioning systems, stormwater drains, and electrical components were not included in the assessment. The cost of clearing the maintenance backlog currently stands at $441 million, but without immediate intervention, that figure could rise to over $900 million by 2028-29, with further degradation likely to affect student learning and teacher wellbeing. If allowed to worsen, the deteriorating conditions may force families to pull their children from public schools entirely, the report warned, citing serious health and safety risks and the looming threat of infrastructure failure. The state government has now committed to funding the extensive repair works over several years, in a bid to stabilise the crisis and restore safety and function to Queensland's state schools.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'This is the moment': teachers strike over wage deal
Further industrial action looms after thousands of educators walked off the job in the largest teachers' strike in a state's history. Queensland teachers on Wednesday abandoned classrooms for the first time in 16 years, demanding better pay and conditions after government negotiations broke down. Brisbane's CBD came to a standstill amid a sea of placards as about 4000 people marched on state parliament. It was part of 30 rallies across the state after more than 50,000 union members voted to strike for the first time since 2009. Almost 600,000 state primary and high school students were affected by Wednesday's 24-hour industrial action. "This is the moment to stand up, be seen, be counted and be heard," Gold Coast teacher Damien Richardson told the Brisbane rally. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was hopeful of returning to negotiations after talks collapsed following 18 meetings with the union in the past five months. The Queensland Teachers' Union has not ruled out taking more industrial action. "Sadly, it probably wouldn't end here today. This is not going to be easy," union president Cresta Richardson told the rally. "We have spoken today. This is a teacher voice that cannot be denied." The union in June rejected the latest offer of three per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent salary increases respectively over the next three years. "If we accept the state wages policy, it actually takes us to the lowest-paid teachers in the country," Ms Richardson told reporters. "We can afford an Olympic Games but we can't afford to pay our teachers properly, come on." The strike action was also part of a campaign for safer classrooms and solutions to a teacher shortage, the union said. "Together, teachers and school leaders will write a new chapter in Queensland's history books and remind the government just how valuable we are to education in our state schools," the union said on Instagram. Terry Evans retired after being a teacher for more than 20 years but decided to march in Brisbane after the government's latest wage offer. "Like most people, I think it's piss poor. It's a ridiculous offer," he told AAP. Opposition Leader Steven Miles was among a handful of Labor caucus members joining the march. "They were promised nation-leading wages," he told AAP. "I think we have the best teachers in the country and they should be appreciated for it." Mr Langbroek said the Liberal National government would continue to negotiate in good faith. "Our second offer to the union ... would see them at $135,000, which would make them number one in the country," he said. "I want to reassure parents, teachers and students that we're confident we can come to a negotiated settlement. "It is costly for the people taking this industrial action. They lose a day's pay." Pay negotiations have been referred to the Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation by the Queensland government. TEACHER SALARIES NATIONWIDE: * Queensland: under the government's pay offer, by 2027 a graduate teacher would earn $84,000 per year and a senior educator $135,000. * NSW: graduate teacher earns $87,550 and senior educator about $125,763. * Victoria: graduate teacher earns $79,589 and senior educator up to $129,544. * South Australia: graduate teacher earns $82,496 and senior educator up to $129,841. * Tasmania: graduate teacher earns $82,828 and senior educator up to $118,328. * Western Australia: graduate teacher earns $85,610 and senior educator up to $130,257. * Northern Territory: graduate teacher earns $92,215 and senior educator up to $188,789. Further industrial action looms after thousands of educators walked off the job in the largest teachers' strike in a state's history. Queensland teachers on Wednesday abandoned classrooms for the first time in 16 years, demanding better pay and conditions after government negotiations broke down. Brisbane's CBD came to a standstill amid a sea of placards as about 4000 people marched on state parliament. It was part of 30 rallies across the state after more than 50,000 union members voted to strike for the first time since 2009. Almost 600,000 state primary and high school students were affected by Wednesday's 24-hour industrial action. "This is the moment to stand up, be seen, be counted and be heard," Gold Coast teacher Damien Richardson told the Brisbane rally. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was hopeful of returning to negotiations after talks collapsed following 18 meetings with the union in the past five months. The Queensland Teachers' Union has not ruled out taking more industrial action. "Sadly, it probably wouldn't end here today. This is not going to be easy," union president Cresta Richardson told the rally. "We have spoken today. This is a teacher voice that cannot be denied." The union in June rejected the latest offer of three per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent salary increases respectively over the next three years. "If we accept the state wages policy, it actually takes us to the lowest-paid teachers in the country," Ms Richardson told reporters. "We can afford an Olympic Games but we can't afford to pay our teachers properly, come on." The strike action was also part of a campaign for safer classrooms and solutions to a teacher shortage, the union said. "Together, teachers and school leaders will write a new chapter in Queensland's history books and remind the government just how valuable we are to education in our state schools," the union said on Instagram. Terry Evans retired after being a teacher for more than 20 years but decided to march in Brisbane after the government's latest wage offer. "Like most people, I think it's piss poor. It's a ridiculous offer," he told AAP. Opposition Leader Steven Miles was among a handful of Labor caucus members joining the march. "They were promised nation-leading wages," he told AAP. "I think we have the best teachers in the country and they should be appreciated for it." Mr Langbroek said the Liberal National government would continue to negotiate in good faith. "Our second offer to the union ... would see them at $135,000, which would make them number one in the country," he said. "I want to reassure parents, teachers and students that we're confident we can come to a negotiated settlement. "It is costly for the people taking this industrial action. They lose a day's pay." Pay negotiations have been referred to the Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation by the Queensland government. TEACHER SALARIES NATIONWIDE: * Queensland: under the government's pay offer, by 2027 a graduate teacher would earn $84,000 per year and a senior educator $135,000. * NSW: graduate teacher earns $87,550 and senior educator about $125,763. * Victoria: graduate teacher earns $79,589 and senior educator up to $129,544. * South Australia: graduate teacher earns $82,496 and senior educator up to $129,841. * Tasmania: graduate teacher earns $82,828 and senior educator up to $118,328. * Western Australia: graduate teacher earns $85,610 and senior educator up to $130,257. * Northern Territory: graduate teacher earns $92,215 and senior educator up to $188,789. Further industrial action looms after thousands of educators walked off the job in the largest teachers' strike in a state's history. Queensland teachers on Wednesday abandoned classrooms for the first time in 16 years, demanding better pay and conditions after government negotiations broke down. Brisbane's CBD came to a standstill amid a sea of placards as about 4000 people marched on state parliament. It was part of 30 rallies across the state after more than 50,000 union members voted to strike for the first time since 2009. Almost 600,000 state primary and high school students were affected by Wednesday's 24-hour industrial action. "This is the moment to stand up, be seen, be counted and be heard," Gold Coast teacher Damien Richardson told the Brisbane rally. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was hopeful of returning to negotiations after talks collapsed following 18 meetings with the union in the past five months. The Queensland Teachers' Union has not ruled out taking more industrial action. "Sadly, it probably wouldn't end here today. This is not going to be easy," union president Cresta Richardson told the rally. "We have spoken today. This is a teacher voice that cannot be denied." The union in June rejected the latest offer of three per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent salary increases respectively over the next three years. "If we accept the state wages policy, it actually takes us to the lowest-paid teachers in the country," Ms Richardson told reporters. "We can afford an Olympic Games but we can't afford to pay our teachers properly, come on." The strike action was also part of a campaign for safer classrooms and solutions to a teacher shortage, the union said. "Together, teachers and school leaders will write a new chapter in Queensland's history books and remind the government just how valuable we are to education in our state schools," the union said on Instagram. Terry Evans retired after being a teacher for more than 20 years but decided to march in Brisbane after the government's latest wage offer. "Like most people, I think it's piss poor. It's a ridiculous offer," he told AAP. Opposition Leader Steven Miles was among a handful of Labor caucus members joining the march. "They were promised nation-leading wages," he told AAP. "I think we have the best teachers in the country and they should be appreciated for it." Mr Langbroek said the Liberal National government would continue to negotiate in good faith. "Our second offer to the union ... would see them at $135,000, which would make them number one in the country," he said. "I want to reassure parents, teachers and students that we're confident we can come to a negotiated settlement. "It is costly for the people taking this industrial action. They lose a day's pay." Pay negotiations have been referred to the Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation by the Queensland government. TEACHER SALARIES NATIONWIDE: * Queensland: under the government's pay offer, by 2027 a graduate teacher would earn $84,000 per year and a senior educator $135,000. * NSW: graduate teacher earns $87,550 and senior educator about $125,763. * Victoria: graduate teacher earns $79,589 and senior educator up to $129,544. * South Australia: graduate teacher earns $82,496 and senior educator up to $129,841. * Tasmania: graduate teacher earns $82,828 and senior educator up to $118,328. * Western Australia: graduate teacher earns $85,610 and senior educator up to $130,257. * Northern Territory: graduate teacher earns $92,215 and senior educator up to $188,789. Further industrial action looms after thousands of educators walked off the job in the largest teachers' strike in a state's history. Queensland teachers on Wednesday abandoned classrooms for the first time in 16 years, demanding better pay and conditions after government negotiations broke down. Brisbane's CBD came to a standstill amid a sea of placards as about 4000 people marched on state parliament. It was part of 30 rallies across the state after more than 50,000 union members voted to strike for the first time since 2009. Almost 600,000 state primary and high school students were affected by Wednesday's 24-hour industrial action. "This is the moment to stand up, be seen, be counted and be heard," Gold Coast teacher Damien Richardson told the Brisbane rally. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was hopeful of returning to negotiations after talks collapsed following 18 meetings with the union in the past five months. The Queensland Teachers' Union has not ruled out taking more industrial action. "Sadly, it probably wouldn't end here today. This is not going to be easy," union president Cresta Richardson told the rally. "We have spoken today. This is a teacher voice that cannot be denied." The union in June rejected the latest offer of three per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent salary increases respectively over the next three years. "If we accept the state wages policy, it actually takes us to the lowest-paid teachers in the country," Ms Richardson told reporters. "We can afford an Olympic Games but we can't afford to pay our teachers properly, come on." The strike action was also part of a campaign for safer classrooms and solutions to a teacher shortage, the union said. "Together, teachers and school leaders will write a new chapter in Queensland's history books and remind the government just how valuable we are to education in our state schools," the union said on Instagram. Terry Evans retired after being a teacher for more than 20 years but decided to march in Brisbane after the government's latest wage offer. "Like most people, I think it's piss poor. It's a ridiculous offer," he told AAP. Opposition Leader Steven Miles was among a handful of Labor caucus members joining the march. "They were promised nation-leading wages," he told AAP. "I think we have the best teachers in the country and they should be appreciated for it." Mr Langbroek said the Liberal National government would continue to negotiate in good faith. "Our second offer to the union ... would see them at $135,000, which would make them number one in the country," he said. "I want to reassure parents, teachers and students that we're confident we can come to a negotiated settlement. "It is costly for the people taking this industrial action. They lose a day's pay." Pay negotiations have been referred to the Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation by the Queensland government. TEACHER SALARIES NATIONWIDE: * Queensland: under the government's pay offer, by 2027 a graduate teacher would earn $84,000 per year and a senior educator $135,000. * NSW: graduate teacher earns $87,550 and senior educator about $125,763. * Victoria: graduate teacher earns $79,589 and senior educator up to $129,544. * South Australia: graduate teacher earns $82,496 and senior educator up to $129,841. * Tasmania: graduate teacher earns $82,828 and senior educator up to $118,328. * Western Australia: graduate teacher earns $85,610 and senior educator up to $130,257. * Northern Territory: graduate teacher earns $92,215 and senior educator up to $188,789.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Thousands march on parliament in rare teachers strike
Thousands of educators have walked off the job in the largest teachers strike in a state's history, marking their first industrial action in 16 years. Holding a sea of placards, educators on Wednesday marched on state parliament in Brisbane demanding better pay and conditions after government negotiations broke down. The march is among 30 rallies held across Queensland after more than 50,000 Queensland Teachers Union members voted to strike for the first time since 2009. Almost 600,000 state primary and high school students have been affected by Wednesday's industrial action. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was hopeful of returning to negotiations after talks collapsed following 18 meetings with the union in the last five months. The union in June rejected the latest offer of three per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent salary increases respectively over the next three years, and says a new deal must have better conditions along with nation-leading salaries. "If we accept the state wages policy, it actually takes us to the lowest paid teachers in the country," union president Cresta Richardson said. "We can afford an Olympic Games but we can't afford to pay our teachers properly, come on." The strike action was also part of a campaign for safer classrooms and solutions to a teacher shortage, it said. "Together, teachers and school leaders will write a new chapter in Queensland's history books and remind the government just how valuable we are to education in our state schools," the union said on Instagram. Terry Evans retired after being a teacher for more than 20 years but decided to march on Wednesday after the government's latest wage offer. "Like most people, I think it's piss poor. It's a ridiculous offer," he told AAP. The teachers union will reportedly vote on Wednesday to decide whether to take further industrial action. Opposition Leader Steven Miles was among a handful of Labor MPs joining the march to parliament on Wednesday. "They were promised nation-leading wages," he told AAP. "I think we have the best teachers in the country and they should be appreciated for it." Mr Langbroek on Wednesday said the government would continue to negotiate in good faith and was hopeful of meeting again with the union this week. "Our second offer to the union ... would see them at $135,000 which would make them No.1 in the country," he said. "I want to reassure parents, teachers and students that we're confident we can come to a negotiated settlement. "It is costly for the people taking this industrial action. They lose a day's pay." Peak body Queensland Council of Unions urged parents to support the action, keep their kids at home and "stand with teachers in their fight for the future of education". Thousands of educators have walked off the job in the largest teachers strike in a state's history, marking their first industrial action in 16 years. Holding a sea of placards, educators on Wednesday marched on state parliament in Brisbane demanding better pay and conditions after government negotiations broke down. The march is among 30 rallies held across Queensland after more than 50,000 Queensland Teachers Union members voted to strike for the first time since 2009. Almost 600,000 state primary and high school students have been affected by Wednesday's industrial action. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was hopeful of returning to negotiations after talks collapsed following 18 meetings with the union in the last five months. The union in June rejected the latest offer of three per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent salary increases respectively over the next three years, and says a new deal must have better conditions along with nation-leading salaries. "If we accept the state wages policy, it actually takes us to the lowest paid teachers in the country," union president Cresta Richardson said. "We can afford an Olympic Games but we can't afford to pay our teachers properly, come on." The strike action was also part of a campaign for safer classrooms and solutions to a teacher shortage, it said. "Together, teachers and school leaders will write a new chapter in Queensland's history books and remind the government just how valuable we are to education in our state schools," the union said on Instagram. Terry Evans retired after being a teacher for more than 20 years but decided to march on Wednesday after the government's latest wage offer. "Like most people, I think it's piss poor. It's a ridiculous offer," he told AAP. The teachers union will reportedly vote on Wednesday to decide whether to take further industrial action. Opposition Leader Steven Miles was among a handful of Labor MPs joining the march to parliament on Wednesday. "They were promised nation-leading wages," he told AAP. "I think we have the best teachers in the country and they should be appreciated for it." Mr Langbroek on Wednesday said the government would continue to negotiate in good faith and was hopeful of meeting again with the union this week. "Our second offer to the union ... would see them at $135,000 which would make them No.1 in the country," he said. "I want to reassure parents, teachers and students that we're confident we can come to a negotiated settlement. "It is costly for the people taking this industrial action. They lose a day's pay." Peak body Queensland Council of Unions urged parents to support the action, keep their kids at home and "stand with teachers in their fight for the future of education". Thousands of educators have walked off the job in the largest teachers strike in a state's history, marking their first industrial action in 16 years. Holding a sea of placards, educators on Wednesday marched on state parliament in Brisbane demanding better pay and conditions after government negotiations broke down. The march is among 30 rallies held across Queensland after more than 50,000 Queensland Teachers Union members voted to strike for the first time since 2009. Almost 600,000 state primary and high school students have been affected by Wednesday's industrial action. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was hopeful of returning to negotiations after talks collapsed following 18 meetings with the union in the last five months. The union in June rejected the latest offer of three per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent salary increases respectively over the next three years, and says a new deal must have better conditions along with nation-leading salaries. "If we accept the state wages policy, it actually takes us to the lowest paid teachers in the country," union president Cresta Richardson said. "We can afford an Olympic Games but we can't afford to pay our teachers properly, come on." The strike action was also part of a campaign for safer classrooms and solutions to a teacher shortage, it said. "Together, teachers and school leaders will write a new chapter in Queensland's history books and remind the government just how valuable we are to education in our state schools," the union said on Instagram. Terry Evans retired after being a teacher for more than 20 years but decided to march on Wednesday after the government's latest wage offer. "Like most people, I think it's piss poor. It's a ridiculous offer," he told AAP. The teachers union will reportedly vote on Wednesday to decide whether to take further industrial action. Opposition Leader Steven Miles was among a handful of Labor MPs joining the march to parliament on Wednesday. "They were promised nation-leading wages," he told AAP. "I think we have the best teachers in the country and they should be appreciated for it." Mr Langbroek on Wednesday said the government would continue to negotiate in good faith and was hopeful of meeting again with the union this week. "Our second offer to the union ... would see them at $135,000 which would make them No.1 in the country," he said. "I want to reassure parents, teachers and students that we're confident we can come to a negotiated settlement. "It is costly for the people taking this industrial action. They lose a day's pay." Peak body Queensland Council of Unions urged parents to support the action, keep their kids at home and "stand with teachers in their fight for the future of education". Thousands of educators have walked off the job in the largest teachers strike in a state's history, marking their first industrial action in 16 years. Holding a sea of placards, educators on Wednesday marched on state parliament in Brisbane demanding better pay and conditions after government negotiations broke down. The march is among 30 rallies held across Queensland after more than 50,000 Queensland Teachers Union members voted to strike for the first time since 2009. Almost 600,000 state primary and high school students have been affected by Wednesday's industrial action. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was hopeful of returning to negotiations after talks collapsed following 18 meetings with the union in the last five months. The union in June rejected the latest offer of three per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent salary increases respectively over the next three years, and says a new deal must have better conditions along with nation-leading salaries. "If we accept the state wages policy, it actually takes us to the lowest paid teachers in the country," union president Cresta Richardson said. "We can afford an Olympic Games but we can't afford to pay our teachers properly, come on." The strike action was also part of a campaign for safer classrooms and solutions to a teacher shortage, it said. "Together, teachers and school leaders will write a new chapter in Queensland's history books and remind the government just how valuable we are to education in our state schools," the union said on Instagram. Terry Evans retired after being a teacher for more than 20 years but decided to march on Wednesday after the government's latest wage offer. "Like most people, I think it's piss poor. It's a ridiculous offer," he told AAP. The teachers union will reportedly vote on Wednesday to decide whether to take further industrial action. Opposition Leader Steven Miles was among a handful of Labor MPs joining the march to parliament on Wednesday. "They were promised nation-leading wages," he told AAP. "I think we have the best teachers in the country and they should be appreciated for it." Mr Langbroek on Wednesday said the government would continue to negotiate in good faith and was hopeful of meeting again with the union this week. "Our second offer to the union ... would see them at $135,000 which would make them No.1 in the country," he said. "I want to reassure parents, teachers and students that we're confident we can come to a negotiated settlement. "It is costly for the people taking this industrial action. They lose a day's pay." Peak body Queensland Council of Unions urged parents to support the action, keep their kids at home and "stand with teachers in their fight for the future of education".
