The Australian Services Union will see a transition in its national leadership, with Robert Potter advising the National Executive that he will move on to take up a role focussed on net zero investment and jobs.
Emeline Gaske has been appointed as the new National Secretary, beginning this week. Emeline comes to the role after serving as Assistant National Secretary since October 2020.
Robert has served the members of the union for over 20 years, including the past decade as an elected official in the National Office, and as National Secretary since November 2019.
The Australian Services Union pays tribute to Robert for his major contribution to the union across three decades, including steering the ship through the Covid-19 pandemic. His broad industrial relations experience across government and private sectors has been invaluable in the union’s effective organising and delivering better wages and conditions for members.
His advocacy work has helped shaped state and federal government policy on major issues such as workforce planning and VET, promoting the need for trainee and apprenticeships, water reform, responding to artificial intelligence, local government and sustainability.
Robert was instrumental in development of the Net Zero Economy Authority into legislation, delivering significant wins for workers and communities who deserve a Just Transition. His involvement in the Jobs and Skills Summit contributed to recent reforms to the Fair Work Act.
His commitment to the union's mission is further exemplified by his involvement in Industry Superannuation including the Initiative for Responsible Investment at Harvard.
New National Secretary Emeline Gaske is a long-term ASU member and has worked as a senior officer of the union for almost ten years.
Since being appointed as Assistant National Secretary in 2020, she has led the union’s work in areas ranging from aviation to community and disability services and broad national reform such as the new right to disconnect laws introduced last week.
Ms Gaske said, “Robert Potter leaves a distinguished legacy in serving the Union and its members, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
“I thank the National Executive for the honour of leading our Union as National Secretary. I am grateful for their trust in me and look forward to continuing to serve our members in the role.”
Mr Potter said, “there is no greater honour then speaking up on behalf of workers - a lifetime’s commitment that I will always cherish.”