FAQ's
You have questions? We have answers.
About TPAQ
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Why did TPAQ start?
To give members a choice of representation. Teachers can now join a truly independent association with their RUSH subscription, not one selected by the Government or your employer. (See RUSH's subscription rates for the comparative rates).
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Who can join?
All Teachers, including Senior Teachers, Head of Departments and Executive Principals can join.
Subscription fees do not differ based on your role, only depending on the amount of hours you work a fortnight (see our membership options). -
Can I only subscribe if I'm in Queensland?
You can subscribe from anywhere in Australia!
We provide cover Australia-wide. We endeavour to provide in-person support where practicable, however, if we are unable to provide that we will be able to assist you with your issues via video conference or phone call.
We do, however, recommend that you join one of our sister associations instead. To view all available associations, please click here.
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What is a union really?
TPAQ was a trade union and was fighting to be a trade union in the courts until the Queensland Government corruptly changed the law. This meant that we needed to restructure and become a company limited by guarantee (by becoming a federal not-for-profit organisation).
Although this change meant that TPAQ had to drop the title of "trade union", you still receive almost exactly the same (and we believe better) services to competitor trade unions. Despite the changes, your RUSH subscription still includes membership to TPAA which is an industrial association/trade union and ensures your industrial interests remain protected.TPAQ fights for members in the media, RUSH will pay for legal protection (representation in the Fair Work Commission, Human Rights Commission etc) via Red Union Law if a workplace legal issue arises, and TPAA continues to guarantee the workplace support, professional indemnity insurance, Professional Development (optional), enterprise bargaining and more that you expect!
Read more about our new structure here.
As it currently stands, the TPAQ cannot represent you in the QIRC, however, we will arrange a lawyer to represent you if your issue proceeds to that commission.
We pride ourselves on being run by teachers, not union officials or bureaucrats and will never donate any of your money to politicians or their parties.
For protection without the politics, subscribe to RUSH and join TPAQ instead of a legacy trade union.
Services
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What legal support is available?
TPAA's expert industrial advocate and Red Union Law's legal support team are considered to be some of Australia's best. RUSH will pay for a lawyer to ensure you're covered for all workplace issues. TPAA guarantees expert workplace support to ensure you're represented for a variety of workplace issues including Enterprise Bargaining, pay disputes, internal disputes, bullying and more. Most importantly, we guarantee a resolution of your issue.
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Enterprise/Agreement Bargaining
We guarantee strong advocacy on workplace policy, procedures and system changes. Under Federal Law, you are entitled to appoint one of our TPAA representatives to the bargaining table to negotiate your Enterprise Agreement.
If you have an Enterprise Agreement that you would like us to bargain for you, please check the "Enterprise Bargaining Representation Request" section of your member dashboard. Once there, please check our list of Agreements we're currently negotiating and appoint us as your bargaining agent or complete the representation request form.
Subscription Fees
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Will my subscription fees be used for party political campaigns or fighting funds?
No and No. That’s how our subscription fees are able to remain so competitive.
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Is my subscription tax deductible?
Yes, your tax invoice/statement is emailed following each payment and can be downloaded from the billing portal in your member dashboard.
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How do I resign from TPAQ/TPAA/RUSH?
Please note, we are unable to accept resignations over the phone because we are unable to verify your identity. Therefore, your resignation must be in writing.
Please head to your member dashboard, complete the membership change request form and one of our friendly staff will help process your cancellation.
Member Disputes
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What if I have an issue with another TPAQ member?
We pride ourselves on being able to provide quality member-to-member dispute representation, a membership perk often not found with our competitors.
We provide both parties to a dispute with quality representation. If necessary, we also refer matters to third-party legal representatives to ensure the privacy of each member is protected.