Contents:
Candidates for National Secretary
MUDFORD Will (Members United)
MEMBERS UNITED FOR CHANGE
I’m a CPSU workplace delegate with broad experience, from outsourced
Telstra Bigpond service desks to my work today in legal policy. As a
member, I have fought for gender equality including paid parental leave,
working from home provisions, pay to match CPI, and the four-day week.
I’m ready to fight together. Service-wide bargaining means always being
prepared for service-wide industrial action — engaging members in planning
and preparing.
We need a real plan to win. Service-wide bargaining has been the long-run
strategy of our union, and without action it is currently failing with
below-inflation pay offers. If there has ever been a time for new
leadership, it is now.
I have a proven track record. I’m a legal policy Director in the ACT Public
Service. I’ve worked across diverse policy areas including environment
protection, LGBTIQA+, mental health, and education. I’ve also worked as a
youth campaign organiser for UnionsACT. This has shown me the power of the
collective experience of workers, and the importance of energising the
membership.
As part of ACT public service bargaining, I organised a group of parents
from across the ACTPS, who won the right for non-birth parents to take
primary caregiver leave more flexibly to suit our families.
I’m running for National Secretary with the Members United Team to
democratise our union, working together to create change in our workplaces
and society. Together members will lead our union.
Please contact me on 0423 445 339, [email protected], and visit our
website membersunitedteam.com.
DONNELLY Melissa (The Melissa Donnelly Team)
My history representing CPSU members started back in 2004 doing pro bono
work for a Federal Court case about members’ rights to be represented by
the CPSU in bargaining. More than 18 years on, I am still dedicated to
fighting for and empowering CPSU members.
As your National Secretary, I’m proud to lead a union delivering positive
change for workers every day. Whether that’s making your workplace safer,
fighting for your wages and conditions, winning secure jobs, making your
voice heard, or holding public sector leadership and governments to account
- you, our members, are our priority and our power.
That’s why our union is growing, with thousands of members joining, and
hundreds of delegates stepping up.
Together, we have been through some tough times, but we’ve always risen to
the task.
We fought tooth and nail against attacks on your jobs, rights and pay. And
now, we’re delivering on an agenda that we built.
We scrapped the ASL cap, secured 18,000 new APS jobs, we’re transitioning
labour-hire jobs to permanent jobs, making workplaces safer and more equal,
and securing new rights and conditions through service wide bargaining.
But we aren’t stopping there.
My team is focused on building our union to deliver even more secure,
permanent well-paid jobs, safer workplaces and a bigger, bolder Public
Service.
It is a privilege to serve as CPSU National Secretary, fighting for and
empowering members every day. With your support, I hope to continue to lead
and deliver for our union.
SARCHESE Amelio
Dear CPSU Members
I am writing to you to seek your support to be elected as CPSU National
Secretary. I am honest, experienced and transparent, and I care about your
rights.
If elected I will sort out the Superannuation miscalculation debacle and
fix any other payslip and pay related errors for you:
-
I will set up a Taskforce to ensure the correct application of all salary
and allowances for Superannuation and take-home pay is calculated
correctly.*
-
I will also do a cost benefit analysis on political donations to ensure the
$80.08m received from the sale of CPSU House is not wasted and is used to
ensure you get value for money for your union fees.*
-
Now more than ever with the high cost of living it’s important that you
elect someone who is working for you.
I am here to help, and I will put members like you first. What else would
you like me to do? Let me know.
Please contact me on m: 0410 410 877 or email [email protected]
I am a long-standing Workplace Delegate stepping up to become an elected
official as I am passionate about making unions relevant to the lives of
workers.
I am ethical and honest and have all of our interests at the forefront.
In Unity
Amelio Sarchese
1Colliers International website
*Funding for these initiatives will not be taken from your Union fees,
rather from the funds of the sale of CPSU house and political donations
Candidates for Assistant National Secretary
COLVIN Jordana (Members United)
MEMBERS UNITED FOR UNION POWER
I joined my union on my first day in the APS, and took on leadership roles
from the get-go. I’ve worked across multiple agencies, advocating for
members as a rank-and-file delegate.
Later I became a CPSU organiser, pushing the envelope where I could to
advance members’ interests, but often facing internal bureaucracy and a
disappointing reluctance from the union bosses to take action.
I’m now back in the public sector and know that things need to change. We
cannot let this opportunity to make real change in the CPSU pass us by.
We must properly invest in the Member Service Centre to empower members and
delegates. Our CPSU call centre resources are stretched. It’s unacceptable
how much individual caseload work falls to delegates because it’s difficult
to get clear industrial advice in a timely manner from an overworked MSC.
Delegates should be focused on collective issues and building our strength
for bargaining. We need to invest in the capacity of the MSC so that the
rest of the union can get on with the job.
It's not just about growing the union – it’s about getting real outcomes
for members. The CPSU pays hundreds of thousands of dollars in affiliation
fees to the ALP. I believe that union members should decide if this is the
best way to spend that money – that’s why I support a member plebiscite on
ALP affiliation.
PAYNE Melissa (The Melissa Donnelly Team)
I’m Melissa Payne and I’m running for the position of Assistant National
Secretary of the Union because I have the skills, experience and vision to
serve our members.
I have been a proud member of the CPSU for over 20 years, working as an
industrial organiser, Director and Deputy National President. In these
roles, I have witnessed the challenges that our members face every day, but
also the power of our union as we fight to improve the lives of our members
and the people they serve.
As Assistant National Secretary, I will work to ensure that our Union
remains strong, united and effective in representing our members at all
levels.
Additionally, I’ll be focused on:
- Member engagement: I will continue to communicate and consult with
our members, listening to their feedback, concerns and suggestions. I will
also support the development and empowerment of our delegates and
activists, who are the backbone of our Union.
- Advocacy: I will lead and coordinate advocacy campaigns,
negotiating with employers, governments and other stakeholders to secure
fair and equitable outcomes while defending and promoting the rights and
interests of members in various forums and arenas, such as industrial
tribunals and parliamentary inquiries.
I am committed to building a strong and vibrant Union – one that empowers
our members. I am confident that with your support, we can do this
together.
I ask for your vote in the upcoming election for Assistant National
Secretary of the Union.
Candidates for National President
BOISEN Adriana (Members United)
MEMBERS UNITED FOR A DEMOCRATIC UNION
I’m a proud unionist in MoPS.
Public sector workers are on the frontlines of the climate and inequality
crises. Right now, Labor offers billions in tax cuts to the rich, but is
offering APS workers a real wage cut, even as we struggle to attract and
retain staff. We're forced to enact decisions from successive governments
that would rather protect corporate profits at the expense of working
people and the liveability of our planet. Together, we can win a public
sector that prioritises people over profits.
Members United won’t compromise on your standard of living. We need to take
the fight to power. The out-of-touch Executive won’t do this. They’re too
reluctant to stand up to the ALP. They have eroded the democratic
structures of our union, leaving strategy to slow reactive polls. We will
fight to enshrine the democratic right of workers to take industrial
action. That’s more than “protected industrial action”.
Bold and dynamic democratic systems will reinvigorate our union movement.
We will hold open, transparent Executive Committee meetings. We will hold
mass member meetings and member plebiscites, and members will direct
resources at the grassroots level. We will make more union official
positions directly elected, putting power to choose your officials in your
hands - not the EC's. We will protect the independence of the union, and
commit not to hold elected positions in political parties while in union
office.
Please contact me on 0403 832 415.
MUSCAT Brooke (The Melissa Donnelly Team)
I’m Brooke Muscat and I am running for election as CPSU National President.
I’ve worked in the CPSU for 20 years - as a National Organiser, Lead
Organiser, ACT Regional Secretary, Deputy National President and now, as
National President. I commenced my working life as a member in the ACT
Government.
I have committed everything I have to fighting for union members – a
privilege not lost on me.
My extensive experience has included leading national organising teams and
bargaining and industrial campaigns in many agencies including Home Affairs
and the Australian Border Force, Tax, Defence, the ABS, Courts, Veterans
Affairs, Agriculture and the ACT Government.
I have worked closely with workplace leaders undertaking industrial action
across operational agencies, lead a team of members through one of the most
complex & protracted industrial action campaigns in our Union's
history, and lead and won a campaign against visa privatisation.
I have worked alongside our Marine Unit delegates for over 18 years through
incredibly difficult WH&S and industrial disputes securing a critical
win on the Commuted Marine Allowance and years of back pay. And just this
year, I worked with our members and delegates in ACT Government, delivering
nation leading conditions for workers.
I’m proud of what our union has delivered and what we will deliver. And I’m
proud to be running as part of Melissa Donnelly’s Team - a team that fights
for and empowers members every day.
With your support, we can continue this good work into the future.
Candidates for Deputy National Presidents
MAYERS Adam (Members United)
MEMBERS UNITED FOR MEMBER-LED ACTION
A member since joining the public service, I represented workers as a
delegate and Section Councillor in Health during the pandemic and recent
ACT Government bargain.
Our union must fight as hard as other unions. In the ACT Government
bargain, the teachers, services and other unions worked strategically right
away, with rallies, member meetings and votes before bargaining had even
begun! They got the goods: real wage rises and significant conditions
improvements. The CPSU leadership in ACT Government never held a real
rally, never followed through on strike action despite successful PABs, and
consistently talked up conditions ‘wins’ to cover up failures on pay.
There has been a comprehensive failure in APS-wide strategy. The leadership
is scrambling to organise PABs across agencies far too late, ignoring their
own poll results in the process. Members taking strike action are forgoing
pay under enormous pressure because the leadership never set up a strike
fund. We needed to be prepared and on the front foot.
I have a track record of fighting for our union to take a different path.
In Section Council, I tabled or supported successful motions for rallies,
strike funds and to use ALP affiliation to pressure the government to table
a better offer during the ACT bargain. The leadership was always too
risk-averse to take these seriously.
Members United has a very simple message: if you don’t fight, you lose. I
will bring rank-and-file perspectives and experience to Executive Committee
and fight to win.
DEVINE-POULOS Bella (Members United)
MEMBERS UNITED FOR SOLIDARITY
The union consists of its members, not its officials. Our potential comes
from the passion and willingness of the rank-and-file to organise together
for the wages and conditions they deserve.
As a rank-and-file delegate, I’ve helped organise members. I’ve supported
members to take industrial action and continue fighting for a better pay
offer for the whole APS. I’ve led the charge for better accommodations for
workers with disabilities.
The current leadership has failed to build member solidarity. They’ve
failed to create opportunities for members across agencies and departments
to communicate and organise with one another, limiting channels to express
objections. It has lost opportunities to activate members and delegates by
pulling the trigger late on protected action, wasting time lobbying MPs,
and stage-managing members’ dissent.
I’m running as part of the Members United Team to foster a culture within
our union of genuine participation and collaboration among the membership.
I want to create a leadership that equips members with the tools and
strategies to make meaningful and positive changes to our workplaces. Our
vision is for a leadership that is aligned to the interests of its members,
not any political party.
VINCENT-PIETSCH Beth (The Melissa Donnelly Team)
My name is Beth Vincent-Pietsch and I’m asking for your support for the
role of CPSU Deputy President.
I have worked for the CPSU for 20 years, and I have been Deputy Secretary
for the last decade.
I am a proud member of Melissa Donnelly’s team – a team that fights for and
empowers members every day.
The CPSU has grown under Melissa’s exceptional leadership and achieved
incredible change in such a short period of time. From championing Robodebt
accountability, working on APS integrity and reducing labour hire and the
overspend on contractors - the CPSU has fearlessly shone a light onto the
dark corners of the APS and become a trusted source of truth and integrity.
We have campaigned with strength for improved conditions and pay in
service-wide bargaining and made incredible progress in such a short period
of time.
In recent years, I have lead significant campaigns on excessive workloads
that led to job increases in chronically understaffed agencies, and I have
been campaigning on discrimination against APS workers with a disability.
This is something I plan on rolling out across the APS via the cross agency
CPSU Accessibility Network.
There will continue to be opportunities to improve the working lives of
members, and it would be a privilege to take up those fights alongside you.
I want to continue to lead my magnificent organising team, and to work with
members and delegates as we join together to fight for improvements to
people’s working lives across the APS.
HARRISON Matthew (The Melissa Donnelly Team)
My long-standing history with the CPSU spans more than 20 years, including
when I was a member working in Centrelink. I then started at the CPSU in an
organising support role, and never looked back.
I have proudly dedicated my career to improving peoples’ working lives.
I went on to become a CPSU organiser with responsibility for Telstra,
AusPost, BOM and CSL, driving successful campaigns and fighting back
against the prolific use of AWAs under WorkChoices in Telstra.
As a Lead Organiser for the ATO, I worked on revitalising delegate
structures, led industrial action and secured a pivotal agency agreement
during the Safeguard Campaign. Alongside ATO delegates and members we
sparked union-wide political campaigns as we fought against outsourcing, and
bolstered member retention post-bargaining.
As UnionsACT Secretary, I advised the ACT Government on WHS, workers
compensation and procurement and helped secure WHS reforms including on
Silica dust safety and extreme weather. And I was proud to drive a
progressive pro-worker agenda.
In 2022, I gladly returned to the CPSU to again take up the fight,
alongside our members and delegates, to rebuild and restore the APS.
I am a committed unionist, with over 20 years in the movement, driving
complex and challenging industrial and WHS campaigns and I’m proud to be
running as part of Melissa Donnelly’s Team - a team that fights for and
empowers members every day.
It would be a privilege to continue to contribute to the great work of this
union as CPSU Deputy President.
ROBERSON Jayden
Dear CPSU Members,
I’m Jayden Roberson, and I'm excited to announce my candidacy for Vice
President of the CPSU. As a former Services Australia graduate and current
employee there, I've seen the dedication of our often-overlooked members in
crucial roles within the public sector.
I have a clear vision for our union:
Political Independence and Accountability: I'm committed to reducing our
reliance on political promises. It's time to strike a balance, leveraging
political advocacy while prioritising the tangible needs and aspirations of
our members. Candidates may claim independence but when they work or are a
member of a party, are they truely independent? We can't solely rely on any
one party; we must forge our own path.
Transparency and Member Engagement: The executive committee must become
more transparent and responsive. I'll champion open forums, regular
communication, and increased member involvement, creating a more democratic
organisation that amplifies diverse voices.
Boosting Union Membership and Affordability: In this cost-of-living crisis,
our union must remain accessible. I propose innovative campaigns to attract
new members and adjust membership fees to reflect economic realities, while
still maintaining our union’s financial stability. Every public sector
worker should be able to afford union support.
In summary, I'm deeply committed to our CPSU's values. With your support,
we can transform our union into one that truly serves the interests of its
members. Voting for Jayden is a vote for positive change, a stronger, more
responsive, and politically independent CPSU.
Thank you for your consideration.
In solidarity,
Jayden Roberson
Candidates for Deputy Secretary
BROWN Greg (Members United)
MEMBERS UNITED FOR RANK-AND-FILE CONTROL
I’ve been a union delegate for over three decades. I’m campaigning for a
union leadership that is engaged with, not removed from, the rank-and-file
membership.
Members United are public service workers. We face the daily hardships you
face at work: the bullying manager, the discipline of performance
indicators, and the struggle to pay the rent or buy treats for the kids.
We have direct experience of the public service, we’re not career union
officials. We help workers with flexible work arrangements and performance
and disciplinary matters. We have worked on the ground to make our
workplaces safe, and organised industrial action in the workplace during
enterprise bargaining.
Member control is essential for a fighting, strategic union. The current
campaign has not had the co-ordination needed to win. The campaign has been
turned “off” then turned “on” like a faucet. This approach has failed to
win real pay rises.
Business-as-usual cannot turn things around. It is important to have
members with this kind of experience in the union leadership. We need a
leadership that is truly from the rank-and-file, not career union officials
that hold positions in the ALP.
I will be your Deputy Secretary. I have been active in the union for
decades. After campaigning around workplace bullying and the organisational
culture that facilitated Robodebt, I was elected as the smart centre worker
representative to the Services Australia National Health and Safety
Committee. I have been admitted as a legal practitioner.
FAWCETT Rebecca (The Melissa Donnelly Team)
I’m Rebecca Fawcett and I’m running to be your Deputy Secretary.
I have been with the CPSU for nearly 22 years in organising and leadership
roles, and for the last 9 years I have been the union’s Legal Director. I
have a long history negotiating enterprise agreements and securing members’
rights in the Fair Work Commission across all membership areas, including
the APS, broader public sector, and private sector areas.
This year I have sat at the negotiating table for the first round of
APS-wide bargaining since the mid-1990s. Together with members, delegates
and workplace leaders, we’ve delivered landmark conditions gains for all
APS employees, such as ground-breaking rights to flexible work.
Outside of bargaining, I have worked with union members and workplace
leaders to:
Win the first casual conversion dispute in Australia in the Fair Work
Commission after the laws were changed, resulting in over 200 extra
advertised ongoing roles in the ATO and over 400 in Services Australia.
Support members’ access to flexible work and working from home, including
using a combination of research, negotiation, campaigning and Fair Work Act
rights.
Increase union membership, including achieving substantial growth for each
of the five years I was the National Organiser for Defence.
I’m passionate about advancing the workplace rights of all members, and
ensuring those rights are followed in practice.
I’m proud to be running as part of Melissa Donnelly’s Team - a team that
fights for and empowers members every day.
Together, there is much more to do.
02 ACT GOVERNMENT
Candidates for Section Secretary
KHAZAELI-DOBSON Maryam
VOTE 1 MEMBERS UNITED TEAM
VOTE 1 Maryam Khazaeli-Dobson for Section Secretary
VOTE 1 Christopher Warren for Governing Councillor
VOTE 2 Simon Butt for Governing Councillor
I’m a delegate in EPSDD and former Section Councillor for the Community
Services Directorate. I’m running because I want to fight for a new
strategic direction for the union.
I believe we need a new Section Secretary at the bargaining table and
leading the Section Council. The latest bargaining round locked us into
below-inflation pay increases. Nor have we achieved superannuation parity
with the APS. For the past three agreements that I have seen bargained, our
pay and conditions have continued to decline - it is time for change now.
That means electing new leaders with fresh ideas.
I will fight against below-inflation pay offers. I worked with Christopher
Warren, Simon Butt and other delegates in organising to turn out the ‘No’
vote in the CPSU member poll. I want to join with all of you and unite to
build a majority within the CPSU who are opposed to settling on
below-inflation pay offers.
We must take a new approach. We must build our capacity to strike and win
if we are to get pay offers that are above inflation. It is unacceptable
that CPSU members are going backward in their standard of living. We simply
cannot afford to fold on another bad deal – I will fight to prevent that.
It's time to shake up the union – Vote 1 Members United Team.
AMARO Maria
I’m Maria Amaro, running for re-election as ACT Section Secretary.
I became a member of the CPSU in 2010, as a workplace delegate and soon
after ACT Government Section Secretary.
As Section Secretary, it has been a privilege to serve our membership
alongside a committed and passionate section council, that represents all
ACT CPSU members.
Representing our members in local individual matters and industrial matters
for over 12
Years – represented you on selection panels, appeal panels, Workplace,
Health, and Safety Committees, and negotiating your Enterprise agreements.
Taking up our union’s fight at the bargaining table as the only female
Union leader, ensuring important workplace conditions are introduced or
improved, and advocating the issues that were identified as important by
our membership in their workplaces.
All our union’s greatest work starts by listening to members.
In the ACT, we have established some nation-leading improvements to working
conditions, such as Disability, Gender Affirmation, and Reproductive leave,
and significant access improvements to flex time and flexible work
arrangements, as well as securing jobs for Canberrans.
As a CPSU member and Union leader who listens and leads from the workplace,
I believe in being present for our members and hearing what is important to
you on the ground, and in your workplaces.
There is always more to do to ensure safety and democracy in our
workplaces, and I’m ready and committed to continue this vital work
alongside you and represent you as members, I seek your support to be
re-elected.
Candidates for Governing Councillor
HAMBROOK Sean
I’ve been a CPSU member for just under 20 years, joining during EBA
negotiations back in 2004 as I felt I should contribute to those helping to
negotiate my pay and conditions.
I have been a psychologist in public health for 14 years with a commitment
to ensuring access to all in our community. As a delegate I have enjoyed
working with the Union to support my workplace colleagues. I have been
actively involved in EBA negotiations, collating members claims and working
with the CPSU team to press the Government to improve their offer.
I have been visible in the workplace and been there to support staff in
disputes.
I step up and push for the rights of members.
I have established relationships throughout Canberra Health Service (CHS)
that has allowed me to provide input during disputes and feedback to
manager forums.
Some of the most rewarding work recently has been giving members a voice
during transition of Calvary Hospital to CHS. Working with our amazing
delegates at Clare Holland House (CHH) and having their concerns heard by
Government, which saw CHH come across to CHS in less than a week!
It has been great building relationships throughout our membership and
being there to help,
knowing I can rely on the CPSU team to back us up.
My engagement in the workplace has seen our membership grow with new
delegates appointed.
I am keen to see our members heard and to promote Union growth and
solidarity.
BUTT Simon
VOTE 1 MEMBERS UNITED TEAM
VOTE 1 Christopher Warren for Governing Councillor
VOTE 2 Simon Butt for Governing Councillor
VOTE 1 Maryam Khazaeli-Dobson for Section Secretary
I’m a long-term member and delegate working in EPSDD and I endorse
Christopher Warren, Maryam Khazaeli-Dobson and the Members United team.
I fought against settling on the below-inflation pay deal. In ACT
Government bargaining. I worked with other EPSDD delegates and members to
turn out to vote ‘No’ in the CPSU member poll – we fought against settling
on a bad deal. Maryam and Chris did the same and we came close, with 49% of
members voting to reject the core offer. If you believe that we need a
majority in the CPSU that stands up to below-inflation pay offers, Chris,
Maryam and I have led that fight in our workplaces and we are your
candidates.
I believe that the CPSU needs to review what went wrong with bargaining. We
need to critically reflect on this bad deal. We need to shake up the union
because it’s the union that is supposed to win real pay rises for us. There
has not been a pay offer that has met or exceeded inflation for far too
long. We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. We
haven’t had superannuation parity delivered despite it being on successive
claims, and now our standard of living is declining.
We need to shake up the union – Vote 1 Members United Team.
WARREN Christopher
VOTE 1 MEMBERS UNITED TEAM
VOTE 1 Christopher Warren for Governing Councillor
VOTE 2 Simon Butt for Governing Councillor
VOTE 1 Maryam Khazaeli-Dobson for Section Secretary
Hi, I’m Chris. I’m your current Governing Councillor. I work in the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Section in ACT Education.
I’m a young unionist in my twenties – and I believe the CPSU must become a
fighting union to bring in young people.
I led the opposition to settling on a below-inflation pay deal in ACT
Government bargaining. I worked hard to get our Protected Action Ballots
up. Then, when the CPSU leadership polled the membership on a
below-inflation pay deal, I organised the campaign within the union that
argued for a ’No’ vote. I worked with Section Councillors and delegates
across Directorates to oppose settling on this deal. We came close, with
49% of members voting ‘No’. Many ‘Yes’ voters expressed they were unhappy
with the deal also, but needed pay rises immediately.
The CPSU leadership didn’t properly communicate how bad the deal was. The
leadership talked up conditions “wins” and deprioritised pay and
superannuation in their messaging. Now, we must assert a democratic majority
to fight for pay above inflation, both within the union and the broader
workforce. If you are unhappy with the Agreement the CPSU signed - me,
Maryam and Simon are your candidates.
I ask for your continued support as Governing Councillor – and for the
Members United Team. We must change the CPSU leadership for a fighting
union.
ADAMS Bec
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I’m Bec Adams and I’m running for ACT Governing Councillor.
Simply put, union is in my DNA. Having been raised in a strong union
household I know what it means to hold the line and push forward for our
workers.
In my time as Section Councillor, I have held the line every time for our
workforce, personally ensuring that sexual assault and harassment is a
notifiable incident under WorkSafe ACT. This came into effect on 9 June
2023 after two years of advocacy.
But as we all know, it’s not done until it is done, and I have since
petitioned WorkSafe to pursue the implementation of this industrial
relations change across all workplaces in the ACT.
As an active leader in our union, I have worked with other members and
delegates to advocate for disability leave in bargaining and delivered the
final pitch to the IR Minister to support 5 days disability leave for our
public servants that extended to 10 days in our last EA bargaining.
I have held the line on countless actions for staff, from the individual to
the collective for the genuine protections of hard fought for and won IR
rights, as well as challenged the status quo on the ever-increasing
workload pressures on public servants.
If elected as Governing Councillor I will continue to work alongside
members to improve the working lives of all public services workers in the
ACT. I have no other agenda, than our members.
05 COURTS AND TRIBUNALS
Candidates for Section Secretary
KELLIHER Wendy
I will work hard for our interests, as proven. I have been an active
workplace delegate for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and since I
joined the AAT in 2017 held roles from APS3 Hearing Attendant to EL1 Manager
Procedures and Training (acting). I have fought for work health and safety,
diversity, mental wellbeing and progression opportunities. As a delegate, I
have supported comrades in workplace relations negotiations, advocated for
better service wide pay in lobbying with a minister and represented CPSU
members at agency-level bargaining for the AAT. Now I want to do the work
for our Section – Courts and Tribunals.
I will deliver timely, meaningful communication and consultation to our
Section’s Members and Delegates to help develop a union that is transparent
and accountable to its members. This pattern of communication from me is
evident currently with delegates and members at the AAT nationally. My
formal qualifications and experience leave me well equipped to collaborate
and consult, including on complex issues of law and policy in the
workplace, to make understanding issues and options accessible.
I will prioritise an informed and connected membership base, to deliver
increased democracy in our union, with improved solidarity and unity of
CPSU members within our Section, extending across agencies with the
intention of building a better union with CPSU members empowered to
self-determine outcomes of negotiations in line with their own interests,
democratically.
I seek your vote for Section Secretary, and that you consider supporting
the Members United candidates.
CASULE Marko
Hi, my name is Marko Casule and I am the current Section Secretary for
Courts and Tribunals.
I was supported into this position by CPSU members in 2019 and ask that you
vote for me so I can keep working for you.
I graduated from Macquarie University in 2007 with a Bachelor of
Arts/Bachelor of Laws and have worked in the Federal Circuit & Family
Court for the past 14 years.
I am a strong workplace leader and have fought for members on a variety of
issues including disputes with management, access to workplace rights and
in growing CPSU membership.
From 2014-2018 I fought for members in Enterprise Bargaining negotiations
with management. In that effort I helped organise multiple rounds of
industrial action, including the first general strike in the Court’s
history.
We ultimately took that fight to the Fair Work Commission where I
represented staff and won an unprecedented victory moving the pay offer
from 0% to 7% over 3 years and an improvement in conditions.
I am currently leading the CPSU bargaining team in negotiations with
management for the new Enterprise Agreement. We have been making great
progress, and great outcomes are possible, but I need your vote to stay in
this position and finish the job!
I ask for your vote so I can keep fighting for members, advocating for our
section and achieving a great outcome for all of us with significant
improvements in the new agreement.
11 HOME AFFAIRS
Candidates for Section President
KENSY Andrew
I am seeking your support for election as the CPSU Section President for
Home Affairs.
I have been with Home Affairs since DIAC days, in a number of roles
including status resolution, citizenship, protection visa processing, and
am now in the settlement team.
I joined the union during induction and became a delegate during Enterprise
Agreement negotiations in 2011. Since then, I have been elected Section
Councillor and Governing Councillor, and with nearly thirteen years’
experience, I’m ready to stand as Home Affairs Section President.
As a delegate, I’ve represented and advocated for individual members,
participated in the National Staff Consultative Committee, given evidence
before a Parliamentary committee, met with MPs to lobby for workers’
rights, and have been part of a great team of delegates and councillors.
As a member of the bargaining team, I’m working to improve our conditions
and work life balance and have contributed to many of the conditions that
will see us all benefit from a significantly improved working environment.
Establishing and enforcing the new rights we will have in our EA will
occasionally be challenging, and I am confident that I am able to represent
members to ensure that we all have access to these greatly improved
conditions.
I understand that our membership is as diverse as the community we serve,
and I will continue to seek your input as we continue to campaign on issues
you care about such as staffing caps, efficiency dividends, permanent jobs
and our working conditions and pay.
COLLINS Rick
MEMBERS UNITED FOR HOME AFFAIRS
I have worked in Home Affairs, the ABF and their predecessors for over 10
years. I’ve been a health and safety representative, a union delegate, and
am currently representing departmental ACT staff on our Section Council.
I’m passionate about our workplace and advocating for our workers.
I have a track record of uplifting members’ voices. As a staff rep on the
Department’s National Health and Safety Committee, I have worked hard to
ensure that it became a forum for discussion, negotiation and
accountability – not just a tick-and-flick exercise. The psychosocial risks
associated with our work means it’s critical we’re taking health and safety
seriously.
I have been an advocate for transparency and member-led democracy
throughout negotiations, most recently as part of the agency-level
bargaining team. I have attended every members meeting possible and have, in
turn, sought to give members access to as much information as possible as
negotiations proceed. I promise to continue to promote this ethos across all
parts of our union in Home Affairs.
I am supporting Members United, because I believe that our union needs to
focus more on members working together to achieve much needed wins on pay
and conditions - and less on ALP internal politics. Fresh ideas and energy
are needed to ensure the union can be the thriving voice for public
servants. I know I can lift your voices in this role and I ask you place
your trust in me through your vote.
14 NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE
Candidates for Section Secretary
KIBBY Leigh (Doc)
Hello Colleagues,
The following is my request for your vote in the upcoming election for CPSU
Council roles for the National Disability Insurance Agency.
I have been a fearless advocate for your interests and wellbeing in all my
Agency dealings combined with a commitment to the highest standards by the
Agency and those who represent you as Councillors. This has been combined
with an empathy for all and ability to listen to, and work for, your needs.
I also have a special interest in the needs of employees of diversity,
LGBTIQA+, disability and mature age.
My ethics are strong and I do not fear confronting tough issues and lead
where necessary. But, first and foremost, I want to empower your voice and
walk beside you as a colleague who listens and acts for you and with you. I
will also walk in front when you need me to lead and take a stance. I will
also be a support when you need me.
As a Councillor I have demonstrated that I strive for the best from my
fellow Councillors as I believe we must perform to the same standards we
expect of management as this will make us better.
Finally, my deep commitment has been demonstrated in my ongoing work
helping members and direct coaching of a number of your colleagues. By
voting for me, you support these efforts, my care for all of you and what I
offer as a strong advocate and campaigner with professional standards and
knowhow.
WRAY Paul
I am Paul Wray and I’m running to be your Section Secretary.
I have a lifelong disability and have worked in the NDIA for the past 5
years.
I have represented members on your section council since 2019, and been
your Governing Councillor since 2022.
I am proud to have fought hard for improved rights and conditions in the
NDIA, and played a leading role in:
- The CPSU’s Every KPI is a Person campaign leading to
ComCare finding the NDIA in breach of the Work Health and Safety Act.
- Breaching the NDIA’s ASL staffing cap and winning
1000’s of secure jobs.
- Defending our right to work from home through a Fair
Work dispute.
- Winning fair work disputes on Flex, workload reviews
and consultation rights.
- Developing a comprehensive bargaining claim for
members.
- Bargaining with the NDIA to win further conditions
for members.
- Pushing for disability leave to be adopted by the
NDIA.
- Setting up the CPSU’s Accessibility Network to
advocate for disability rights across the APS.
There is, of course, a lot more work to do. But together, we can continue
to build a strong union to fight for a safe and inclusive workplace.
If elected I will advocate tirelessly for:
- Safe workloads for all members.
- Conversion of contractors and secure, APS jobs for
our members.
- A model workplace that respects the rights of staff
with disabilities.
I will work collaboratively as Section Secretary to ensure that the voice
of every member is heard, taking our union from strength to strength.
PRESCOTT Bettina
Hi, I'm Bettina and I have been your Section Secretary since 2019. I have
worked tirelessly over the last 4 years to:
- Deliver massive wins for members both in the
day-to-day and in bargaining.
- Always put CPSU members and participants first.
- Represent and advocate for every single member.
- Develop and maintain excellent working relationships
with NDIA management.
- Foster our expansion and maturity as a union to
become the strong, professional, and respected union we are today.
As a woman living with disability, the work we do at the NDIA is very close
to my heart. I see my role in the union as one where I improve the
conditions for our workers, so we can deliver the best Scheme for our
participants.
A few of the many examples of wins I have achieved for members are:
- Same job, same pay for labour hire workers
- $100k of backpay for overtime meal allowance
- Expanding Broadbanding to National Delivery, and
- Workload reviews for all staff.
The relationships I've built and maintained with the Agency over the past 4
years have been critical in achieving the above wins. We achieved so much
in the face of our former CEO who was unsupportive of the union I want to
lead us over the next 3 years where I know we can achieve so much more for
our workers and participants.
I will continue to act with the highest integrity as I lead our members
through bargaining.
Candidates for Governing Councillor
SMITH Simon
I am Simon Smith, and I am honoured to stand as a candidate for CPSU
Governing Councillor. With a decade of dedicated at the NDIA, four years as
a union delegate, two years as section councillor, and two years as Chair
of the CPSU Accessibility Council. As someone with a disability, I have
experienced and witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by employees with
disabilities.
For this reason, I proposed the creation of the CPSU Accessibility Council
to Section Council, which was fully supported. Through the work I’ve done
as chair of the Accessibility Council and the work by members of the
council for the 1st time in bargaining we have requested specific
provisions for staff with disabilities including disability leave - a 1st in
the APS.
It’s clear that we must take decisive action to improve career progression,
employment opportunities, and working conditions for these valued members
of our workforce.
By electing me, you are giving the voices of employees with disabilities a
seat at the table to better fight for improved working conditions.
By improving conditions for employees with disability we improve conditions
for all members.
I will advocate tirelessly for the rights and well-being of our members
with disabilities and all members. Let us work hand in hand to ensure that
the CPSU remains at the forefront of championing the rights of all members.
Thank you for considering me as your candidate. I look forward to the
opportunity to serve you and our dedicated CPSU members.
KIBBY Leigh (Doc)
Hello Colleagues,
The following is my request for your vote in the upcoming election for CPSU
Council roles for the National Disability Insurance Agency.
I have been a fearless advocate for your interests and wellbeing in all my
Agency dealings combined with a commitment to the highest standards by the
Agency and those who represent you as Councillors. This has been combined
with an empathy for all and ability to listen to, and work for, your needs.
I also have a special interest in the needs of employees of diversity,
LGBTIQA+, disability and mature age.
My ethics are strong and I do not fear confronting tough issues and lead
where necessary. But, first and foremost, I want to empower your voice and
walk beside you as a colleague who listens and acts for you and with you. I
will also walk in front when you need me to lead and take a stance. I will
also be a support when you need me.
As a Councillor I have demonstrated that I strive for the best from my
fellow Councillors as I believe we must perform to the same standards we
expect of management as this will make us better.
Finally, my deep commitment has been demonstrated in my ongoing work
helping members and direct coaching of a number of your colleagues. By
voting for me, you support these efforts, my care for all of you and what I
offer as a strong advocate and campaigner with professional standards and
knowhow.
21 AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
Candidates for Governing Councillor
SARCHESE Amelio
Vote 1 - Amelio Sarchese - Governing Councillor CPSU/DAFF
Dear CPSU Members
I am writing to you to seek your support to be elected as Governing Councillor. I am honest, experienced and transparent, and I care about your rights.
If elected I will sort out the Superannuation miscalculation debacle and fix any other payslip and pay related errors for you:
- I will set up a Taskforce to ensure the correct application of all salary and allowances for Superannuation and take-home pay is calculated correctly.*
- I will also do a cost benefit analysis on political donations to ensure the $80.08m received from the sale of CPSU House is not wasted and is used to ensure you get value for money for your union fees.*
Now more than ever with the high cost of living it’s important that you elect someone who is working for you.
I am here to help, and I will put members like you first. What else would you like me to do? Let me know.
Please contact me on m: 0410 410 877 or email [email protected]
I am a long-standing Workplace Delegate stepping up to become an elected official as I am passionate about making unions relevant to the lives of workers.
I am ethical and honest and have all of our interests at the forefront.
In Unity
Amelio Sarchese
1Colliers International website
*Funding for these initiatives will not be taken from your Union fees, rather from the funds of the sale of CPSU house and political donations
STEWART Graeme
My name is Graeme Stewart and I have been a Governing Councillor for the last two and a half years, a delegate for the past ten years and a Biosecurity inspector for twenty-two years.
During that time, I have been committed to advocating for and representing CPSU members.
As a Governing Councillor:
- I led the campaign to transfer 230 non-ongoing staff to permanent public servants.
- I have advocated on behalf of labour hire staff, including directly to the DAFF Secretary, to ensure they receive the same conditions and pay as the public servants they’re working alongside.
- I’ve had a razor light focus over two years fighting for reviews of the Outdoor Working Allowance resulting in an agreement from Workplace Relations that it would be processed through AURION timesheets and paid to those who are entitled to it.
- Worked with a team of HSRs to recognise sulfuryl fluoride not being detected by the PIDS the Department had claimed would protect staff from exposure to this toxic fumigant. The MUA joined the CPSU in an action that led to safer workplace for members.
It has been a privilege to be a member of the CPSU bargaining team, advocating at the table for better pay and conditions.
I am proud of my track record of putting members first and of representing your views vehemently on Governing Council.
I want to continue to deliver for you, so ask that you vote for me as your candidate for Governing Council.
26 AVIATION
Candidates for Section Secretary
WATERSON Dave
I’m David Waterson, but everyone calls me Dave.
I have loved aviation since I was a child, with my father being in the
RAAF. I joined the RAAF Cadets, then Reserves and then spent 15yrs as a
Radio Technician in the RAAF, working across airfields in Australia &
overseas.
I resigned in 2000 and went to the private sector, to see how the other
side lives, but missed the public service life. In 2013, I applied to join
ASA (Air Services Australia) as a Technical Officer and immediately joined
CPSU.
As a member of CPSU for more than 10yrs and Aviation Section Secretary
since 2014, I have served with pride in my successive tenures of Aviation
Section Secretary with the support of Aviation members nationwide.
I have supported members across Australia through two EA negotiations and
am about to go into a third round with ASA - exciting, tough and hopefully
rewarding.
Under a Liberal Government in 2016, I fought back on outsourcing of ASA
Commonwealth Employee positions. Humble CPSU representatives against ASA
and their mighty lawyers in FWC. We succeeded in saving 63 of 79 positions.
I work with other aviation bodies and associated unions, assisting with
questions/issues that come across my desk from outside my area. I am always
here to help.
I ask for your support for Aviation Section Secretary, so I can continue to
support and assist anyway I can, across the length and breadth of this
wonderful country of ours.
In unity
Dave W.
COLVIN Lisa
MEMBERS UNITED FOR EQUITY
I’m a long-time public servant currently working at the Australian Maritime
Safety Authority. I’m running for Section Secretary because I want a union
that reflects the needs and voices of the membership – whether those
members are part of a large Department or a small agency.
CPSU members want a union that fights for better pay and conditions for its
members. CPSU members want a union that will have their back when they need
advocacy in the workplace. CPSU members want access to real industrial
advice and support. That’s the union I will fight for as your Section
Secretary.
We need meaningful change in our union leadership. Right now, members have
lost faith in the CPSU to stand up to Government during service-wide
bargaining. A Members United ticket will make sure that every public sector
worker – even workers in small, non-APS agencies, like me – has the support
of their union.
The CPSU’s failures in service-wide bargaining impact workers in non-APS
agencies, where many of us work. The outcomes of our bargaining will be
directly tied to APS outcomes – and yet the CPSU haven’t been listening to
us on the pay deal. Let’s work together to make sure that never happens
again.
We cannot wait until the next round of bargaining, and the next massive
decline in real wages, before taking action.
I will fight for an equitable union that puts the needs and voices of
members first – no matter where they work.
32 ELECTORAL AND EMPLOYMENT REGULATION
Candidates for Section Secretary
ANSPACH Tamsin
I'm a Delegate and a HSR working as an Electorate Officer in MoPS (Members
of Parliament Staff).
I've always been a union member, but it was the Jenkins Review which made
me want to get more involved. Now our workplace in MoPS is undergoing a
period of immense reform. The support of the CPSU has been crucial for
empowering MoPs workers during consultation on these reforms, and together
we have built solidarity amongst worker representatives from across the
political spectrum.
We're a very broad and diverse Section. We're comprised of eight agencies:
Comcare, the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Electoral Commission,
MoPS, the Office of Fair Work Ombudsman, Safe Work Australia, Fair Work
Building and Construction, and the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
Each of these agencies has a unique experience of working in the APS and
deserve a strong voice within the CPSU.
I'm putting my hand up and asking for your vote. I want to ensure that the
voices of all our agencies are heard at the Governing Council and I will
put in the work to develop feedback structures with you, that meet you
where you are, and deliver what you need from a Section Secretary.
I've been fighting hard for members in MoPS and now I'd appreciate the
privilege to work hard for all the members in our Section.
MCCARTHY Sean
MEMBERS UNITED FOR A BETTER PUBLIC SERVICE
At the Fair Work Ombudsman, Sam Ramsay and I have led a passionate, united
and growing delegate group — and we hope you’ll support us to continue that
work as your Section Secretary and Governing Councillor team.
Our group’s strength has let us stand beside Services Australia to take
industrial action in response to the latest poor pay offer from the
government.
We are a very diverse section and the challenges Fair Work Inspectors face
will be worlds apart from those of political staffers.
But our diversity is our strength. We are not born with the knowledge of
how to reform and lead our workplaces. We learn from each other, from our
mentors, friends, colleagues and allies.
As Section Secretary I will:
- Establish a Section Council for consistent knowledge and power
sharing
- Assist members with workload reviews in their agencies,
branches and teams
- Help members run workplace health and safety concerns regarding
psychosocial risks, excessive workloads and local issues.
- Ensure our section members are consulted on union wide issues
and genuinely represented at Governing Council
- Regularly communicate updates from across our section and the
service
Our section contains the largest density of industrial relations experts in
the public service - we can be the beating heart of union knowledge and
power in the CPSU.
Please contact me with any questions you may have on 0428 999 964.
Candidates for Governing Councillor
RAMSAY Sam
At the Fair Work Ombudsman, Sean McCarthy and I have led a passionate,
united and growing delegate group towards industrial action. As the
incumbent Section Secretary, I have made a choice to endorse Sean McCarthy
for the Section Secretary role and run for the Governing Counsellor
position because I want to change the role of Governing Counsellor to
ensure it allows all members of the section to access Governing Council.
I am a long term and dedicated unionist, both as a member, and industrial
officer at the NTEU and IEU. I want to use my experience to give back. I am
an employment lawyer by trade and have a masters degree in Global and
European Labour Law. This gives me a solid understanding of the
technicalities of the position (and Industrial Relations the world over). I
can bring this expertise to the position of Governing Counsellor. As a
lover of a good industrial dispute, I’ll have a fight where needed.
Our section is one of the most diverse in the CPSU, ranging from members of
parliamentary services to the AEC. All members in our section have unique
issues (as well as some shared) and they deserve to have those represented.
I hope I am the right person to do that. I will continue to try to engage
with our broader membership and represent their key issues. I will also
continue to build relationships outside of our section to make sure the CPSU
is the best union it can be.
BRENNAN Phil
I’m Phil Brennan and I’m running for Governing Councillor.
I have been a member of the CPSU since joining the APS in 2002. In that
time, I have held a number of union roles, including being a delegate,
consultative committee member and health and safety rep.
In each of these roles I have sought the best outcomes for my fellow
members.
Twice I have had the opportunity to take up fixed term contracts to work as
an organiser with the CPSU. While filling in for permanent staff who were
on extended leave, I got the chance to see the union operate across a
number of agencies and departments. A highlight was supporting Veterans
Affairs members taking industrial action for the first time. I got to see
firsthand how the union office works, the incredible work and dedication of
the staff there and learnt ways I could maximise outcomes in the workplace.
I moved to the Fair Work Commission in 2009. I regularly agitated for
staff/union representation outside of head office in Melbourne. FWC
management realised this was important and agreed to new rules that meant
that at least one representative on the Staff Consultative Committee needed
to be outside Melbourne.
I am currently enjoying the privilege of representing members at the
bargaining table. I have had the advantage of working with a wide array of
amazing union members here at the commission and in previous agencies (OEA,
WPA, FWO). Teamwork is the key to achieving good outcomes for our members.
34 SERVICES AUSTRALIA
Candidates for Section President
BROWN Greg
MEMBERS UNITED IN SERVICES AUSTRALIA
Vote 1 Greg Brown for Section President
Vote 1 Henry Hao Luo for Section Secretary
Hi, I’m Greg. I’m a Customer Services Representative in Services Australia.
In 2020, I ran for this position because I was concerned that the CPSU
leadership were not up to the task of fighting to win real outcomes for our
members. I take no joy in the fact that the last three years have proven
those concerns well-founded.
Members United stand for a union leadership that is engaged, not removed
from, the rank-and-file. We have worked on the ground to help workers with
flexible work arrangements, performance and disciplinary matters, and
worked to make our workplaces safer. If elected we will organise for
workers to have a stronger hand in the workplace.
Members United has argued for an approach that can win. When the incumbents
sought to get the deal done after the second pay offer, Members United
pushed for: a NO vote; concerted recruiting; protected action ballots to be
organised across other departments; and for a strike fund to offset the
income losses of Services Australia members.
Members United stand for rank-and-file control. Members United have argued
for mass members’ meetings so that you and your co-workers can determine
the course of bargaining. This can become APS-wide industrial action.
Business as usual in the CPSU won’t cut it anymore. Vote 1 Members United
and shake up your union so it delivers for you.
MILLS Gareth
Vote 1 Gareth Mills: Section President Services Australia
A CPSU member since 1993, I am seeking your support for re-election to the
role of Section President for Services Australia.
There have been three big issues for 2023.
Bargaining: Together with Section Secretary Emma White, I have worked
diligently to meet with thousands of members in workplaces and online.
Together, we have developed a great bargaining claim through those
meetings. The claim that we are now prosecuting through bargaining is the
result of many thousands of members working together.
Safety: Everyone deserves to come home safe at the end of the day. The
terrible attacks on our colleagues affect us all. Through the Ashton
Review, I have advocated the clear need to dramatically improve safety in
our workplace.
Staffing: Our workplace is facing the serious challenge of staffing cuts.
We all know how this affects our customers, but adequate staffing is also
critical to a safe workplace. I am committed to strongly advocating on this
serious problem to management and to government. The work has begun but
there is more to do.
I have been able to meet with so many of you over the last 12 months,
particularly through developing and representing your bargaining claim. I
hope you can see in my actions a dedication to clearly communicating what
is going on, to listening to your feedback, to representing your concerns
and building unity and strength. I hope I can count on your support in this
election.
Candidates for Section Secretary
LUO Henry Hao
MEMBERS UNITED FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
I am proud to be a multilingual unionist, fighting tirelessly for essential
issues like remote work flexibility, fair pay matching inflation, diversity
and inclusion.
My selection as a finalist for the 2023 Australia-China Community Service
Award demonstrates my dedication to fostering civic engagement and building
resilient communities. This experience has allowed me to connect community
needs to the mission of unionism and the importance of building a fighting
union for all.
Service-wide bargaining is a crucial long-term strategy for our union, yet
we're facing below-inflation pay offers. It's evident that we need new
leadership and a solid plan for victory. We have reached a critical
juncture, and I believe change is vital.
With a background as a certified project management professional for nearly
two decades, I've worked across diverse policy areas. This experience has
shown me the power of collective action and the importance of an inclusive
union led by its members.
I've fought for essential workers who deserve better pay, and I'm running
for Section Secretary to democratise our union and create real change in
our workplaces and society. Together, as members united, we'll lead our
union to a brighter future. Visit our website at membersunitedteam.com, and
feel free to contact me at 0467 753 777.
WHITE Emma
I’m Emma White and I’m seeking your support to continue as CPSU Section
Secretary for Services Australia.
I have worked in the agency for over 19 years in face to face, telephony,
processing, objections and now as a Decision Maker. I have been a member of
the CPSU the entire time.
Representing you and dedicating myself to the exceptional work of our union
has been a privilege, but I’m far from done.
I have the energy, experience, and skills to continue leading a team
dedicated to fighting for what we deserve – safe, secure, respected, well
paid and high-quality public service jobs.
I’ve led the 2011, 2014 and 2023 Services Australia bargaining teams, and
I’m part of the 2023 APS Bargaining team. I have spoken to a great number
of you over my years as Section Secretary at town hall meetings, workplace
meetings, teleconferences and more recently online.
I often represent and advocate on member issues at the National
Consultative Committee, at Parliament, the Fair Work Commission, Senate
Committees, and in our community.
Our membership is as diverse as the community we serve, and I will continue
to seek your input as we continue to campaign on the issues you care about
such as staff safety, workloads, permanent jobs and our working conditions
and pay.
I’m proud to be part of Melissa Donnelly’s Team - a team that fights for
and empowers members every day, and I ask for your support to continue in
the role of Services Australia Section Secretary.
34 SERVICES AUSTRALIA – AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Candidates for Governing Councillor
DE SILVA Don
I am a natural leader. An accountant and a former teacher, I am organised
and excel in public speaking. I speak three languages, am very astute and
have integrity.
I have demonstrated ability to represent and protect the industrial
interests of workers, and I have successfully organised workers to take
industrial action. I recently successfully led workers in the Gungahlin
worksite to walk off the job. In my capacity as an ACT senior delegate, I
have consistently worked to further and protect the industrial interests of
the Union.
I am extremely successful in recruiting workers to join the CPSU. I was
formally recognised by the National Secretary on two occasions for my
promotion and membership drive, both within the ACT but also throughout
Services Australia.
Able to de-escalate issues, I have also acted as a representative or
witness for a member in workplace matters.
In meetings, I am always prepared and doesn’t hesitate to ask difficult
questions to management representatives. I speak truth to power. Being
courageous, when workers were asked not to raise issues of the Minister
during a worksite visit, I briefed the Minister of our issues in front of
senior management and followed through to ensure those issues were
addressed. This took persistence and resilience in the face of adversity.
I canvass workers to identify matters of concern. My policy priority is to
ensure ACT membership grows and members thoughts and opinions are heard. I
actively campaign to increase the membership benefits and reduce fees.
POWERS Franklin
I have decided to run for Governing council as I have been a delegate for 2
years and want to take my learnings from the state of unionism that I’ve
observed and translate them into actions with respect to how our union is
run.
I feel that the union has become distracted from its core mission and is
undertaking activities that divide its membership and dissuade non-members
from joining. My idea of a perfect union is one that stays in its lane –
fights for workers’ rights and conditions – but does not get involved in
other issues including political ones. I would like to see significantly
lower fees to make membership more accessible for people, as we all know
the more members we have, the more powerful we are.
I believe there are better and more efficient and effective ways that we
can get the job of representing workers done. Please vote for me if you
agree!
Franklin Powers
34 SERVICES AUSTRALIA – NEW SOUTH WALES
Candidates for Governing Councillor
LUO Henry Hao
MEMBERS UNITED FOR DELIVERING REAL OUTCOMES
I'm pleased to be a bilingual unionist who works relentlessly to advance
important causes like flexibility for remote work, a salary that keeps up
with inflation, diversity and inclusion.
My nomination as a finalist for the 2023 Australia-China Community Service
Award exemplifies my commitment to promoting civic engagement and creating
resilient communities. Through this experience, I was able to establish a
connection among the community's needs, the aspirations for solidarity, and
the value of creating a strong union for everyone.
There are pay offers that are below inflation. We are at a turning point,
and I believe change is critical. As a certified project management
professional and a dedicated rank-and-file union member, I have been taking
on leadership roles and advocating for fellow members. My journey has shown
me the union's potential and the areas where we need improvement.
Our Member Service Centre (MSC) is doing a great job, but resources are
stretched thin. Delegates often bear the burden of individual caseload work
due to delays in receiving effective industrial advice from the MSC. It's
time to invest properly in the MSC, empowering delegates and members.
Beyond growing the union, we need to focus on delivering real outcomes for
our members.
Together, we can strengthen our union and secure a brighter future for all
members. Join me in advocating for change, visit our website for more
information at membersunitedteam.com, and feel free to contact me at 0467
753 777.
FRAPE Ikini
My name is Ikini Frape and I am seeking your support to continue as
Services Australia Governing Councillor for NSW.
I have worked in Services Australia with Child Support and Centrelink for
over 18 years. I commenced in Child Support on telephones and held
managerial, technical and review roles since then in both Child Support and
currently in Centrelink as an Authorised Review Officer.
I joined the Union 15 years ago as a delegate and have been your Governing
Councillor for NSW since 2018. During that time, I have lobbied
politicians, raised disputes with the Agency, supported, spoken with and
represented hundreds of members across many sites and lead strikes and stop
works and bargaining campaigns. I believe firmly that our staff have the
right to a safe workplace, secure jobs and that our work should be not just
recognised, but valued. We have served Australia during a pandemic and
disasters. That work is vital to every Australian and should be recognised
appropriately by both the Agency and Government.
I am currently a member of your bargaining team for the Agency
negotiations. I am a proud member of the National Aboriginal & Torres
Strait Islander committee working hard to support and improve outcomes for
ATSI staff within the APS.
With your support I hope to continue my work to serve the diverse community
within Services Australia, to improve our work environment including safety
at work, increased staffing levels with more permanent jobs and better pay
and conditions.
34 SERVICES AUSTRALIA – SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
Candidates for Governing Councillor
MCCAULEY Renea
Hello, I’m Renea McCauley. I started with the department in 2006 and it’s
been quite a ride over the last 17 years with all the changes we have seen,
from how we do our jobs to the merger of three entitles into one. I have
also been proudly serving CPSU members as Section Councillor since 2009.
Over my time with Services Australia, I have worked mainly in customer
service, I started in EMS telephony and now in age processing. I understand
that our jobs can be pretty complex and the pressure we often face. We are
constantly dealing with changes in our roles and duties and it often feels
like there is never enough training. I know that Services Australia are
constantly expecting staff to do more with less and I want to change that.
I know that as your Governing Councillor, working alongside the experienced
team of Emma White, Gareth Mills and Matthew Harrison and the Melissa
Donnelly Team, I can help make the agency listen to its staff.
I promise to be a strong voice for our staff, I’ll make sure the agency
hears what we have to say and takes our needs seriously. Through my work as
Section Councillor I have worked on a multitude of campaigns, and have
appeared in Fairwork representing members' concerns around the agency
devaluing our work.
So here’s the deal, I am Renea McCauley, With your support we will continue
working towards making our agency a better place for all.
CARTLEDGE Leo
MEMBERS UNITED IN SERVICES AUSTRALIA QLD
I've been a rank-and-file union member everywhere I’ve worked since I was
16, and a CPSU member since I started with DHS in 2019. Through fires,
floods, and pandemics, I have worked at the coalface, dealing directly with
customers. I’ve had managers bully me, customers threaten me, and workloads
inundate me, but I’ve never done it alone. Through engaging and building
community that supports and encourages members to participate in their
union, providing strength and power, I have found footing within the
delegate role to fight for those around me and those to come.
The CPSU has had ample opportunity to take strong action since service-wide
bargaining began. A soft approach has only served to disenfranchise
members, muddy the waters of what we are fighting for, and rely solely on
the strength of an already overworked workforce. It is time the CPSU
empowered its members to be the heart of the union again, a guiding force to
deliver better outcomes across the APS now and in the future. Together, we
can bring about democratic reform and equip members and delegates with the
resources to shape our union into the mighty force it should be.
I am running for Governing Council and supporting Members United because I
believe that the strength of a union lies in its members, and members
should be empowered to have their say in the function and future of their
union through rank-and-file organising and democracy.
34 SERVICES AUSTRALIA – TASMANIA
Candidates for Governing Councillor
PLIMPTON Scott
I’m Scott Plimpton and I am asking for your support for re-election as CPSU
Governing Councillor (Tasmania).
I have been a workplace delegate since 2017 in the National Business
Gateway at 188 Collins Street. In that time I have advocated for member
comrades with workplace queries, disciplinary matters and as a support
person.
I was first elected Governing Councillor in 2020. Since then I have
strongly represented our members at the highest level of our union. I am
closely involved with the current round of APS and Agency Bargaining. As a
Bargaining Support Team member and in day to day activities I always
advocate a strong position for CPSU members’ pay, workplace rights and
conditions.
In 2018, I was elected as HSR. Over this time I have found solutions to
issues as well as highlighted deficiencies and hazards, especially during
Covid. Having the support of and the extra HSR training provided by the
CPSU as Delegate and HSR has made me a more effective advocate.
I regularly participate in union activities such as rallies and forums.
We have some thirty workplace Delegates throughout the state. I regularly
communicate, pass on materials and provide advice to them on member and
other matters in conjunction with our Organiser and the Regional State
Secretary, both of whom I have a very productive relationship with. I am
proud of the work that our Delegates do in their respective patches.
Please contact me and have a chat:
[email protected] (SPP809) or 0404478938.
In unity
Scott Plimpton
RUSSELL Anders
The CPSU has the potential to be better - an active, fighting union, driven by an engaged membership. I believe that Members United represents the best opportunity we have at becoming that union. I have proudly been a member for six years, joining late in my career, inspired by a former Governing Councillor whose passion and conviction introduced me to a union I wish had been part of my journey from day one.
I commenced with Centrelink in 2006 and have worked in multiple states across inbound call work, processing, outreach, service centres, and now corporate support. I have seen the ways that staff and our customers have been failed by decades of Agreements that allowed insecure work to be normalised and lost ground on pay and conditions.
The current CPSU leadership is failing its members. We have the opportunity of whole-of-APS bargaining for the first time in nearly 30 years. A chance to deliver real outcomes for tens of thousands in a time of enormous economic strain and precarity. We should not be settling for scraps from the table, but building membership and driving a stronger bargain backed by a stronger union.
I am running for Governing Council because I want to be part of the movement shaping the CPSU into a union that focuses on delivering real outcomes for our members. Together, as Members United, we'll lead our union to a brighter future. Visit our website at membersunitedteam.com and feel free to contact me at 0431 962 114.