This site will work and look better in a browser that supports web standards, but is accessible to any browser or internet device. More information here.

Central Queensland University Branch

Welcome to the homepage of the Central Queensland University (CQU) Branch of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU). The NTEU represents academic and general staff at CQU. Our members come from every campus in Central Queensland from Mackay to Bundaberg, from Gladstone to Emerald, Rockhampton down to Noosa. This page will contain links to CQU-specific news, local campaigns, and contacts. If you are a staff member of C-MS click here.

If you have any queries or ideas for this page, please email the branch organiser or give him a call.

Contacts

Contacts


The NTEU-CQU office is located at:

Office G06, Commercial Centre
Central Queensland University 
North Rockhampton QLD 4702
Ph. 07 4930 9745
Fax. 07 4930 9279
Email: CQU Branch Organiser

Office Hours are: 8:45am - 4:45pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays.

For all enquiries contact the CQU Branch Organiser, Dan Coughlan, as above.

For industrial advice CQU members can also contact Angela Scheers or Bill Danby at the division office 07 3846 2355. Take a look at the website on: http://www.nteu.org.au//bd/qld.

Top

Branch Executive

Introducing the Branch Executive
Branch Committee Elected officers and their contact details.
Branch Strategic Plan 2008-2009 The Branch Strategic Plan 2008-2009 was endorsed by the Committee at its meeting held on 9th July 2008.
Financial Accounts fye 30 June 2008 View the CQU branch audited financial accounts for the year ended 30 June 2008.
2007 Audited Branch Accounts CQU Branch audited financial accounts for the year ended 30th June 2007.

Top

Publishing & Dispatch to close

On the 10 December 2008 management met with staff in the Publishing and Dispatch unit to advise that the university proposed to close their unit and outsource the work to low cost providers. The CQU Branch of the NTEU on behalf of members believes that the proposal has been written around a predetermined solution that has overly influenced the analysis. Moreover, there appears to be a lack of any real evidential basis to the claims made in the initial change proposal.

The NTEU acknowledges that problems do exist in the printery and accepts that these need to be addressed. However, the NTEU believes that the problems stem not from the unit itself but the disintegration of the university wide system to meet the university’s publishing and dispatch needs. This uncoordinated and piecemeal approach has resulted in a less than optimal and costly service. Handing over responsibility for printing to external providers may appear attractive in the short-term but it is doubtful that the university will benefit in the long-term from losing control over a service that is crucial to its core business and its identity as a regional University.

Rather, the NTEU urges the University to reconsider the fundamental premise of the proposed change – that the University’s printing needs would be better met through outsourcing – and adopt strategies that establish more clearly what these needs are and what changes would be needed to produce an efficient and effective in-house printery. It is only at this point that a comparison with possible outsourcing can be sensibly made. Accordingly, the NTEU suggests that a comprehensive review be conducted over a 12 month period which would allow the printery to be evaluated against clear expectations, effective policy and processes, and clear lines of accountability and responsibilities.

NTEU feedback on proposal to close the printery The NTEU remains unconvinced by the rationale provided for the change and by the claim that the University will save in excess of $1 million per annum with a payback period of less than one year (p. 2).
Alternative proposal When university management proposes to outsource work clause 23.2 of the Union Collective Agreement (UCA) enables "employees, and where they choose their representatives, to make alternative proposals to demonstrate that they can provide the work in a cost effective manner". Follow this link to download a copy of the alternative proposal submitted by the employees in the Registration, Publishing and Dispatch unit on 14 April 2009.
CQU Branch feedback CQU branch feedback submitted on behalf of members on 19 January 2009.

Top

Howard Guille presents NTEU Indigenous Scholarships


What to do with $6,600 awarded to the NTEU after the CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Rickard breached the collective agreement by failing to consult with 200 affected employees about job cuts? The CQU branch decided to establish six (6) scholarships of $1,000 each to support Indigenous students continue their post graduate study.

Howard Guille, presented the scholarships named in his honour at the Nulloo Yumbah awards night held at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Rockhampton. John Fitzsimmons, CQU branch president speaking at the awards night described Howard as “not just a champion of the worker - he championed many causes but none dearer to his heart than the plight of Indigenous Australians”.

Howard addressed the scholarship recipients, Nulloo Yumbah staff, representatives of the NTEU CQU branch and invited guests. He spoke about how humbled he was to present these scholarships named in his honour.

In his address he drew attention to the new Federal government student target to increase the share of Australians aged 25-34 with degree qualifications from 29% in 2006 to 40% in 2025. To meet these targets, he said there will need to be a significant increase in participation rates from Indigenous and low SES groups. Howard’s view that one could not look beyond establishing the first Australian Indigenous university as an effective mechanism to meet the government’s aspirations was received with a loud round of applause.




The recipients of the Howard Guille Indigenous Scholarships were:

  • Lesley Dawn Scorgie (Middlemount) (pictured); studying a Graduate Diploma in Learning Management; has previously graduated from a CQUniversity Bachelor of Education (Inservice);
  • Jonathan Oates (North Rockhampton); studying a Graduate Diploma in Management; has previously graduated from a CQUniversity Bachelor of Learning Management (Secondary);
  • Anthony Walsh (Gladstone); studying a Graduate Certificate in Maintenance Management.

  The CQU branch will offer 3 more scholarships at the end of the 2009 academic year.



Top

Howard Guille Indigenous Scholarships announced

 

The launch of the Our Universities Matter campaign was an ideal opportunity for the Branch to also announce the Howard Guille Indigenous Postgraduate Coursework / Honours Scholarship - $1000. Six scholarships of equal value will be offered.

Many would remember Howard not only for his relentless work for CQU staff but also for advancing Indigenous rights and equality through employment. Although Howard was unavailable to announce the scholarships, he will present them to the successful recipients at the Nulloo Yumbah end of the term awards ceremony.

The NTEU was awarded $6600 when senior officers of CQUniversity breached the University Collective Agreement (UCA). In announcing the scholarships John Fitzsimmons said the Union had been rewarded sufficiently when the Federal Court confirmed the UCA definition of meaningful consultation. The monetary penalty would be more beneficial to Indigenous students seeking to advance their learning through Postgraduate or Honours study.

The Howard Guille Indigenous Postgraduate Coursework / Honours Scholarship

The Howard Guille Indigenous Scholarship will be awarded to students who are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and who are studying a postgraduate coursework or honours program at CQUniversity. A total of six scholarships valued at $1,000.00 each will be available, at least five for students enrolled in either graduate certificates/diplomas or coursework masters, either internally or externally, studying full-time or part-time, and one for a student enrolled in an honours program, either internally or externally, studying full-time or part-time. In the event that there are no eligible honours students, the sixth award will go to an eligible postgraduate award student. The Scholarships will be used to contribute towards education and living expenses.

Howard Guille

 

Howard Guille, retired Secretary of the Queensland Division of the National Tertiary Education Union, has had a long commitment to Indigenous rights ranging from seeking social, economic, and industrial justice for all, through to leading the NTEU in early land rights campaigns and lately being a strong supporter of the campaign to restore Stolen Wages. He has assisted the development of Indigenous Employment Strategies in universities.

Victor Hart, Head of the Oodgeroo Unit at QUT, says of Howard Guille that ‘this scholarship recognises the hard work of a man who never gave up on believing that the protection of the rights of workers was paramount to building a civil society worth living in. But more than that, he has supported the rights of Indigenous people for a very long time, and so its not surprising that the benefactors of this scholarship will be Indigenous students. I commend the NTEU for honouring Howard through this scholarship and for providing an opportunity for Indigenous students to access and participate in higher education’.


 

Scholarship Criteria 

The Howard Guille Indigenous Scholarship Award will be awarded to students who are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and who are studying a postgraduate coursework or honours program at Central Queensland University who have met the following criteria:

1.       Successfully completed the equivalent of a full first-term of courses in the relevant program, and enrolled in at least one course in the second term of the program at census date.

2.       Achieved the highest GPA for the first term’s courses.

Applicants must satisfy the relevant criteria in order to be considered for these awards.

Note: The Scholarships will be awarded based on the recommendation of the Director of Nulloo Yumbah in consultation with the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU).

Howard Guille presents NTEU Indigenous Scholarships

Top

Our Universities Matter

OUR UNIVERSITIES MATTER

NTEU will campaign during 2008 to reinvigorate Australia’s universities under the banner of 'Our Universities Matter – Investing in People and Society'.

The campaign's aims include:   

For more information on the campaign go to http://www.nteu.org.au/ouruniversitiesmatter

HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED

  • Attend the local launch - To be held on 14 August 2008 at 12 noon, Building 32, 1.28, Rockhampton campus.
  • Visit the Road Show at your campus from 12 noon to 2pm - 
                    12 August    Bundaberg        Building 3 Foyer
                    13 August    Gladstone          On campus
                    14 August    Rockhampton   Library (west) lawn
                    15 August    Mackay               Building 1 Courtyard.
  • Sign the petition which calls on the Federal Government to improve university funding; improve access to universities; and legislate to protect academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Sign online here.
  • Bookmark the website. Save the campaign http://www.nteu.org.au/ouruniversitiesmatter in your favourites and refer back to it on a regular basis to stay up to date with campaign events.
  • Distribute material. Download materials (flyers, posters, screensavers, wallpapers etc.) from the website or contact  the Branch office and we can arrange for you to receive material that can be distributed amongst your colleagues.
  • Sign the Statement on Academic Freedom and University Independence. If you are a senior academic or general staff member please consider signing the statement online here .

BE ACTIVE. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Letter to non-members An approach to CQU non-members to join the NTEU CQU branch.

Top

Bradley Review

Submitted on the 5 August 2008 the NTEU CQU branch submission makes comment on issues impacting on CQU. The National office of the NTEU will make a sector-wide response.
CQU Branch submission CQU Branch responds frankly on the impacts of inadequate funding, competition and other factors on CQU.

Top

CQU Strategic Plan & Policy Reviews

The feedback has been submitted on behalf of NTEU CQU branch members. It is the result of consultation sessions facilitated by the Branch with a number of staff working in a diverse range of areas throughout the University including academic, research and professional staff. In addition to possessing expertise in strategic planning these staff are genuinely concerned for the well-being of the University.

The genuine concern for the University has prompted a number recommendations from staff to be seriously considered by university management.


Branch response to Draft Job Evaluation policy CQU Branch response on behalf of members.
Draft Job Evaluation policy with NTEU proposed changes Draft Job Evaluation policy document with proposed NTEU changes tracked.
Branch response to PRPD policy review
Branch response to Performance Reward and Recognition policy
Branch response to Draft CQU Strategic Plan 2008-2012 NTEU CQU branch feedback on the CQUniversity Draft Strategic Plan 2008-2012

Top

CQUniversity Viability Audit

Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard MP and Queensland Minister for Education and Training announced a joint government viability audit of CQUniversity.
NTEU submission Download the NTEU submission to the Queensland Treasury Corporation's (QTC) viability audit. The briefing paper is to inform the QTC's Report on the ongoing financial viability of Central Queensland University. It is the NTEU's contention that notwithstanding the recent decline in domestic and international student numbers as well as other short term problems, CQU is financially viable and will remain so into the future provided immediate attention is given to two key settings: the funding model under which CQU currently operates (including regional loadings); and, the focus of current student recruitment.
Central Queensland University under review - 8 May 2008 Article airing the audit by Craig Johnstone in the Courier Mail.
CQU's future to be reviewed - 8 May 2008 An article on the review also appeared in ABC news online.
CQU facing challenges - 7 May 2008 A response by CQU Vice Chancellor John Rickard in the Higher Education section of The Australian.
Voracious VCs must be curbed - 28 April 2008 An opinion piece in The Australian by Griffith U historian, Professor Ross Fitzgerald, commenting in part on the financial viability audit to be conducted at CQU.

Top

Research Staff @ CQU campaign


Research Training The specific challenges faced by regional universities in building strong research capacity.
CQU Research Network If you are a research intensive staff member or concerned about research capacity at CQU join the CQU Research network

Top

Federal Court case against CQU senior management for breach of agreement

On 9 September 2007 the NTEU initiated proceedings in theFederal Court over the expiry of 34 fixed term contracts and the University'sintention to end 200 contracts without consultation in June 2007. The action isagainst Central Queensland University and Vice Chancellor JohnRickard. A directions hearing was held in Brisbane on 30 November 2007.

The Federal Court decision against the University was brought down by SeniorDeputy President Richards on 11 April 2008.

Federal Court decision (NTEU vs CQU) - Friday 11 April 2008 The Federal Court decision was brought against CQU for breach of its industrial obligations contained within the Union Collective Agreements on 11 April 2008.
Federal Court case - Directions hearing 12 March 2008 Attached is the transcript for the directions hearing.
Federal Court directions hearing on CQU Staff reductions - 30 Oct 2007 The Federal Court case is at the stage where a penalty aginst the University will be awarded.
Lee's message to members - 15 Oct 2007 The QLD Division Secretary, Margaret Lee's, message to union members at CQU sent 16 October 2007.
Federal Court case commenced - Letter 9 Sept 2007 Documents initiating the Federal Court case were served on the Vice Chancellor and CQU on Tuesday 4 September at 12.00 noon. Read about the union's reasons.
How this dispute affects you - 18 June 2007 The NTEU is starting legal action in the Federal Court and seeking redress in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) for breach of the Union Collective Agreement in the downsizing of CQU's workforce.

Top

Organisational Review


CQU Organisational Restructure homepage - 8 Jan 2008 University senior management have provided a Significant Change Proposal as a basis to map the organisational restructure necessary to cope with the university's financial downturn. This page provides a website link to all relevant documents.

Top

Collective Bargaining in 2009

Collective Bargaining in 2009

The branch is currently negotiating for a new collective agreement during 2009. We will add to this section as the branch's resources develop throughout the year. The branch's contact for enterprise bargaining are Dr Rob McDougall (07) 4930 9486 and Dr John Fitzsimmons (07) 4930 9282. You can also email your concerns to the branch organiser at nteu-cqu@cqu.edu.au.

What are we bargaining for? Here is a list of improvements to salary and conditions that the CQU branch of the NTEU will be seeking in the next round of collective bargaining due to commence in 2009. The claims were presented to CQU senior management on 30 May 2008. To date senior management have refused to commence negotiations.
Why bargain at CQU now? Attached is a modification of the powerpoint slide that the industrial officer Angela Scheers has presented to university staff around a number of universities.
Letter to members Attached is Margaret Lee's letter to members about collective bargaining in 2008.
Current Union Collective Agreements (UCA) The current agreement between the Unions and CQUniversity management representatives. The current UCA documents can be found here.

Top

Staff Consultative Committee (SCC)

The Staff Consultative Committee (SCC) is the instrument through which the Union Collective Agreements, academic and general, are implemented. The SCC is one way for staff members to keep informed about issues that affect the university at a policy level. You can view a list of staff representatives on the  CQU website: http://facultysite.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.do?page=4665
  
You can read previous minutes at the following site: http://facultysite.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.do?page=4672

For more up to the minute feedback, you can also join an SCC mailing list: http://mailman.cqu.edu.au/mailman/listinfo/scc-feedback 
Stamp out workload overload Stamp out workload overload
12 March SCC Report NTEU report of the SCC meeting held on 12 March 2009.
18 June SCC Report

Top

Branch News

The CQU Branch aims to publish an e-Bulletin to members on a fortnightly frequency. The E-Bulletin communicates news to members regularly. 
e-Bulletin The latest e-bulletins published by the CQU Branch to keep members up to date with the latest news on events at CQUniversity.
Branch Newsletter
'CQU: Our University' shirts The branch now has a polo-shirt incorporating the branch logo and the slogan 'CQU: Our University'. If you're interested in purchasing a shirt, please contact the organiser on 4930 9282.

Top

Get Involved

When you join the NTEU you also join a group of work colleagues who are genuinely concerned for the wellbeing of CQUniversity and its most valuable attribute, its staff. Your views, concerns and ideas will be heard in a range of union fora, such as meetings, forums, social occasions, or by simply contacting the branch organiser. You will be most welcome to attend any of these events.

Here are some other ways you can help to build the strength of your union.
Ways to build up your union

Top

Join us today!

NTEU members can seek assistance from the union on any matter related to the relationship between the member and their employer. The NTEU provides for you a professional industrial service including detailed advice, support and formal representation.

The Union is the most effective mechanism in the workplace to have your voice heard. The concerns of an individual can easily be ignored by university senior management when you go it on your own. Whether it is the improvement of work conditions or fair and equitable policy, or open and transparent governance, the collective voice of agroup of staff united for the common good and backed by the union organisation cannot be ignored. Also when you are backed by the professional services of the union, individual disputes are more likely to be resolved to your satisfaction.

In addition to individual service the union organisation is here to bring members together, to listen to your views, concerns and ideas, to bring relevant information to the table and to take your message to the appropriate authority, whether it is internal or external to the university, until it is heard.

The NTEU is a professional association representing the interests of its members at local, state and national levels through policy submissions, lobbying, as well as an industrial association that looks after the workplace rights of its members including representation on bodies such as the Staff ConsultativeCommittee, and in industrial matters.

Join us Today!

Did you notice your pay rise in February 2008? The CQU 2005 to 2008 Union Collective Agreements delivered gains for all staff, including 20 weeks paid parental leave and pay increases of 11% over 2 years. If you are a member, feel free to pass on the attached flyer to non-member colleagues.

Top

Workplace Contacts Network

Workplace Contacts Network

The branch has replaced its delegate structure with a workplace contact network of staff who have a variety of skills and levels of support that they are willing to contribute to the branch. This might be putting union posters up in your work area or building, forwarding emails amongst colleagues, or assisting the organiser in recruitment drives.

The organiser and branch executive are always interested in new ideas regarding campaigns and branch activities. If you would like to have a greater involvement with the union at CQU, please contact the organiser and join the contacts network.

Top

Casuals & Sessional Staff Network

Casuals & Sessional Staff Network


Casuals and Sessionals booklet A handbook for casual and sessional academics

Top

Photo Galleries


A photo gallery of NTEU CQU Branch members at branch events. 

Close the Gap forum - 22 April 2008 Nulloo Yumbah and the NTEU jointly ran a forum on Indigenous social disadvantage at the Rockhampton campus on 22 April 2008 in line with the National Close the Gap campaign day.
CQU Candidates Forum - 16 Nov 2007 Friday 16 November 2007 CQU hosted a Candidates Forum for candidates and representatives for the seat of Capricornia on higher education issues.
Reclaiming our Universities - 25 Oct 2007 At Rockhampton on 25 October 2007 the NTEU QLD President Andrew Bonnell provided a well-considered presentation about changes to the higher education sector over the last two decades and what this means for CQU. Dr Jim McAllister was also conferred lifetime membership of the union.
Multicultural Fair 12 August 2007 CQU Rockhampton campus hosts the Multicultural Fair each year. This is a tremednous way to celebrate Rockhampton's cultural diversity. This year the Fair is happening on Sunday 12 August 2007. The NTEU will be there with flyers, merchandise, drinks, free balloons and a free union 'Fair bag'. Drop by and say hello.
National Day of Community Protest Regional attendance at the National Day of Community Protest was outstanding with many of our members taking time off work to show their support.
Labour Day
Multicultural Fair 2004 The NTEU CQU Branch stall at the 2004 Fair was organised on the theme 'A Strong University = A Strong Community'.

Top

Members Area

Use your NTEU membership number or an assigned username to login, get help with the login process or recover a lost password.

Member ID/Username

Password

Latest News >>

>> More News

Sundries