Across the Queensland Division, we are proud to work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, staff and community leaders who guide us in creating a more just and inclusive union.

At the NTEU, we are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard and respected not only within our structures, but across the higher education sector and in the broader community.

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy Committee leads the union’s work on a wide range of issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through our bargaining power, we have established employment targets at all Australian universities. These targets are increasing the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and helping to close the gap by ensuring collective agreements include fair and equitable working conditions.

The Policy Committee also works to raise the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business within and across the union, provides advice and industrial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, and assists Divisions and Branches with cultural competency and related matters.

The NTEU is one of the few unions in Australia with mandated representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at all levels of the union, as set out in our rules.

In 2002, the NTEU’s non-Indigenous caucus adopted the 10 Point Plan for a Post-Treaty Union. This foundational document outlines our commitment to addressing racism, discrimination and inequality and to ensuring that the NTEU remains a culturally safe and welcoming space for all.

As we mark NAIDOC Week, we especially acknowledge and thank our Queensland representatives on the NTEU’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy Committee. We also recognise and pay our respects to our Queensland-based Aboriginal staff for their leadership, knowledge, and contributions to our Union and broader community.