News
Federal Elections
"What’s at stake for Australian workers at this year’s election?" Ged Kearney speaks at the National Press Club
07 August 2013
"It is good to be here again at the National Press Club and I appreciate the opportunity to outline what the union movement regards as the key issues for Australian workers at this year's federal election." Download the full speech here: Ged Kearney speech at National Press Club, 7 August…
The ASU supports the Federal Government's announcement of additional child care help for parents using out of school hours care and is calling on councils to work with local schools to allow local government child care educators and carers to be part of the support mechanisms. "It makes sense to…
ACTU backs call for a debate on industrial relations
06 August 2013
The ACTU is backing a call by Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten for a pre-election debate between the major parties on industrial relations policy. Minister Shorten today called on his Coalition counterpart Eric Abetz to come out of hiding and commit to a debate on workplace policy. "Working people absolutely…
Referendum on local government recognition delayed
06 August 2013
With the announcement of the federal election on 7 September, plans for the referendum for the Constitutional recognition of local government have been put on hold. The referendum cannot be held at the same time as the 7 September election because the required notice period will not have elapsed. The…
Australians face a stark choice at this election between a government that will stand up for work rights and an opposition which has promised to wind back protections at work and introduce individual contracts. ACTU President Ged Kearney said working people would be looking for parties and candidates to demonstrate…
ASU and ACTU welcome more funding to tackle asbestos
01 August 2013
The ACTU welcomes new funding from the Federal Government to tackle deaths from asbestos exposure with $6.4 million to go to the new Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency to implement the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management. ACTU Assistant Secretary Michael Borowick said Australia had the highest per…
Australian business is again pushing to cut wages with the Business Council of Australia saying that penalty rates should be re-examined and that the minimum wage could be 'a problem'. ACTU President Ged Kearney said the BCA's action plan released today showed some vision for Australia so it was disappointing…
On the same day as the Business Council of Australia has called for cuts to the minimum wage, the Coalition has revisited its politically-motivated policy attacking unions' ability to represent workers' interests, the ACTU said. The ACTU has no tolerance for corruption by union officials, said ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver.…
A referendum to recognise local government in the Australian Constitution is planned to accompany this year's federal election. The ASU asks Australians to vote YES for this recognition to ensure our local councils are able to continue to provide the services we have all come to expect. Local government employees…
False Economies - doing less with less
28 May 2013
The Centre for Policy Development's public service Research Director Christopher Stone contends that sometimes cutting can cost more than it saves. Shifting responsibility to the private sector is not a cost-effective strategy when the public sector is better placed to provide essential services. While efficiency is defined in terms of…