As a continuous party member for almost 40 years, John Battams became Party President in 2016, having served as the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) President from 2011.

Born and raised in Mackay, John has a strong history of trade union leadership in Queensland, combined with an active involvement in the ALP.

John is a former teacher and head of department of secondary schools – having worked with teachers in regional areas and right across the state.

John worked for 5 years as a Queensland Teachers Union (QTU) organiser, and subsequently served for 21 years as QTU General Secretary.