Private Members’ Statements – ASU National Conference

Wednesday 27 November 2024 

S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (15:46): I am proud to be a member of the Australian Services Union, the ASU. In fact, I have been a union member since my very first job back when I was at university working in video stores. The ASU held their national conference at Adelaide Oval earlier this month. It was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of workers in social and community services, local government, energy, airlines and the public and private sectors. These achievements include portable long service leave, family and domestic violence leave, a just transition for energy workers and so many other wins for this large union. 

The conference heard from a variety of panels regarding challenges and campaigns ahead, including the Skilled Respected Equal campaign for social and community services. These workers deserve to have their skills respected, experience valued and equal pay protected. Additionally, they have campaigned for building climate safe communities, securing reproductive health leave for all workers and supporting local government workers. 

It was fantastic to see the new national secretary, Emeline Gaske, lead the conference. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank state secretary, the amazing Abbie Spencer, and assistant secretary, Scott Cowen, and the whole union team for their hard work to make sure that this conference was successful, and I give solidarity to all ASU members.