The union representing staff in Queensland non-government schools and community kindergartens has welcomed the announcement of the state government’s Women and Girls’ Health Plan.
Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Branch Secretary Terry Burke welcomed the government’s historic investment in women’s health care, an area that has been underfunded and ignored for too long.
“As a union representing over 17,000 workers, 75 per cent of whom are female, we commend this important new initiative which sets an example other governments should follow,” Mr Burke said.
“Of the 10,000 women who completed the Queensland Women and Girls’ Health Survey, more than half said they had felt dismissed in a health care setting.
“This is completely unacceptable.
“Our union welcomes extended support provided to women and girls in the form of more free women-focused care, better care for conditions like endometriosis, access to reproductive care and easier access to maternal health care.
“75 per cent of our union’s membership base are women and education and childcare remain highly feminised professions.
“As a result, we are acutely aware of the many challenges faced by women when trying to access adequate health care.
“The new funding will help address critical issues raised by our members.
“Our members cannot undertake their critical roles within schools and childcare centres if their health and wellbeing is not first prioritised,” Mr Burke said.
“The government must acknowledge this and provide adequate funding to ensure we have a new generation of enthusiastic and well-prepared teachers,” Mr Burke said.
About us:
The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) represents more than 17,000 teachers, school support staff, principals, early childhood education and VET and RTO employees across Queensland and the Northern Territory. www.ieuqnt.org.au
Contact details:
Katie Fotheringham, IEU-QNT Communications Officer: kfotheringham@ieuqnt.org.au / 0409 628 675