Structure and Elections

State Council

State Council is the governing body of the SSTUWA and its supreme decision-making authority, with policy directives issued by State Council to be adhered to by all members. Meeting twice a year, State Council considers motions put forward by branches and district councils. These decisions guide the policies and processes of the union, giving members a direct say in the union’s direction and governance.

State Council comprises the senior officers, ordinary executive members, general secretary and delegates elected from each district. Annual elections for district delegates to State Council are conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission.

District Council

The state is divided into districts, with each district entitled to representation at District Council level. These councils then have a range of powers including formulating a district position on local issues and making recommendations to Executive and State Council about union policy.

Committees

The SSTUWA has an active committee system contributing to the governance of the union. These committees are:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee
• Early Childhood Educators Committee
• LGBTIQ+ Committee
• New Educators Committee
• School Leaders Committee
• TAFE Committee
• Women’s Committee

The committees generally meet at least once a term. The term of office is 12 months and will end on competition of the following year's committee elections.

The terms of reference of the committees, as endorsed by Executive, are as follows:

1. Review and revise relevant union policy.
2. Assist in the formulation of position papers.
3. Assist in the planning and organisation of seminars, conferences and other membership activities.
4. Monitor government and employer actions under relevant legislation.
5. Evaluate SSTUWA rules, policies and other positions as examples of “best practice”.
6. Consider and make recommendations on matters referred by the Administrative Committee and Executive.
7. Make recommendations to Executive on matters considered by the committee.