Every worker deserves to be treated with respect and to work in an environment that is safe for them.


We provide support and have established a safe network for members of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics.

Queer Unionists in Tertiary Education (QUTE) is a network of members and staff who are actively engaged in addressing the issues facing workers of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics in the higher education industry and within the NTEU.

QUTE aims to promote education against prejudice, discrimination and harassment in the workplace on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics.

The QUTE group also lobbies governments to put in place comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and equal treatment policies regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics and ensures that our union observes anti-discrimination and equal opportunity policies.

QUTE ensures that perspectives on higher education that relate to people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics are explicitly addressed, including academic and intellectual freedom, parental leave, bullying, harassment and discrimination are included in debate and policy development within the Union. 

QUTE has a presence at LGBTQI+ events including rallies and festivals, a Facebook page and regularly communicates news. If you are an NTEU member who has indicated in your profile that you are a member of the  LGBTQIA+ community you will automatically receive updates from QUTE. If you are not a member of the LGBTQI+ community but want to stay informed you can opt to do that in your member preferences.

The QUTE Steering Committee

The QUTE Steering Committee consists of one representative from each State or Territory and provides advice to the National Executive on all matters that related to LGBTQI+ members including policy, bargaining claims and membership issues. The committee coordinates the Union's activities around Wear it Purple and IDAHOBIT days.

Committee Membership:

 Convenor         Amy Sergeant                 Email Amy        
 National President  Alison Barnes  Email Alison 
 General Secretary  Damien Cahill   Email Damien
 National Assistant Secretary   Gabe Gooding  Email Gabe
 ACT  Sinead Wilson  Email Sinead
 NSW  Sophie Cotton  Email Sophie
 NT  Alan Berman  Email Alan
 QLD  Amy Sargeant  Email Amy
 SA         Kate Toone  Email Kate
 TAS  Vacant   
 VIC  Sean Mulcahy   Email Sean
   Scarlett Abramson   Email Scarlett
 WA  Em Readman  Email Em
 Staff – VIC  Fiona Ying-Bucknall   Email Fiona
 Staff - National   Freya Pollard  Email Freya 
 

Want to find out more?

Read more about our work on LGBTQI+ issues
Read our policy on People of Diverse Sexualities and Gender  
Download a copy of our policy

Parliamentary Submissions

Submission on the Religious Freedom Bills Mk 2

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