Queensland teachers push for public officer status as classroom assaults soar
The Queensland Teachers Union is urging a change to the criminal code so teachers are classified as public officers, which would double the maximum penalty for assaults amid a sharp rise in classroom violence.
Facing a dramatic surge in aggression toward educators, the Queensland Teachers Union is campaigning for teachers to be designated as public officers under the criminal code, which would raise the maximum imprisonment term for assaults from seven to 14 years. Data released by Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek indicate that reported incidents rose from 776 in 2021 to 20,833 in 2025, with hospitalisations climbing from one to eight.
Union president Cresta Richardson says such a change would draw greater attention to attacks, especially those occurring outside classrooms. Former teacher Allan Zirbel described a violent episode that led to a heart attack and major surgery, while current teacher Bethany Bala cited increasing disengagement and aggression among students as a burnout factor. Lockyer MP Jim McDonald, a former police officer, expressed support for the proposal after hearing accounts of spitting, punching and knife threats. The minister pledged additional funding and staffing to bolster safety measures in schools.
Why it matters
Increasing teacher safety could curb school violence and protect educators' health and wellbeing.
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