Media Releases 2016



Read current and past media statements from the ACTU.

You can also keep track of ACTU media releases by following the official ACTU feed on Twitter at @unionsaustralia.




All ACTU media enquiries should be directed to ACTU Media team:




T: 03 9664 7315 (24 hours)
E: media@actu.org.au


Recent Media Releases

All we want for Christmas is to safeguard penalty rates

December 22, 2016

The Australian Council for Trade Unions (ACTU) is calling for charitable Christmas spirit by asking the public to consider those at work this Christmas, and a need to safeguard their penalty rates.

Throughout Australia this Christmas, hundreds of workers will be working overtime, in overdrive, to support the holiday season and they should be compensated fairly.

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Turnbull Government must act now to protect public from Asbestos this Christmas

December 21, 2016

This Christmas, the Australian Council of Trade Unions is reminding the Federal Government of the importance of properly monitoring all imports to Australia, to ensure the public is not exposed to asbestos contaminated products.

Earlier this year, 307,000 crayons contaminated with asbestos were stopped at Australia’s border sparking serious concerns about what could have slipped through customs and come into contact with Australians.

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Murdoch University attacks on staff damage international reputation

December 20, 2016

Murdoch University’s attempts to force their employees onto the safety-net award conditions – stripping conditions and undermining academic independence – is an anti-union attack that risks the world-standard resource which makes Australian Universities so desirable for domestic and international students – their staff.

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MYEFO proves no vision for jobs or growth

December 19, 2016

Malcolm Turnbull has delivered the worst of both worlds: massive spending cuts hurting ordinary Australians and an economy in reverse gear.

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Pension cuts will rip $412 million a year from NSW economy

December 17, 2016

The full brunt of Turnbull Government cuts to pensions will be felt by New South Wales, with close to half a billion dollars being ripped from the state’s economy each year, starting from 1 January.

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Pension cuts will rip $321 million a year from Victorian economy

December 17, 2016

The full brunt of Turnbull Government cuts to pensions will be felt by Victoria, with almost a third of a billion dollars being ripped from the state’s economy each year, starting from 1 January.

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Pension cuts will rip $235 million a year from Queensland economy

December 17, 2016

The full brunt of Turnbull Government cuts to pensions will be felt by Queensland, with almost a quarter of a billion dollars being ripped from the state’s economy each year, starting from 1 January.

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Pension cuts will rip $29 million a year from Tasmanian economy

December 17, 2016

The full brunt of Turnbull Government cuts to pensions will be felt by Tasmania, with $30 million dollars being ripped from the state’s economy each year, starting from 1 January.

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Systemic underpayment of workers shows the system is broken

December 9, 2016

Australian Unions are calling for action by the Turnbull government to address the systematic flouting of our workplace laws and the exploitation of our young people.

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Government inaction on DV leave is unconscionable

December 9, 2016

The Turnbull Government’s abandonment of paid family and domestic violence leave at today’s Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting is deeply irresponsible, and flies in the face of the widespread community acceptance that we must all do more to address domestic and family violence.

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The ACTU Network

Australian Unions

Whether you want to join a union, take action in campaigns, or make the most of the benefits of being a union member, Australian Unions is the place to go for information and resources.
Visit Australian Unions

Mind Your Head

We’re taking action to protect workplace mental health.
Visit Mind Your Head

Worksite

Your rights at work for students and for people entering the workforce for the first time.
Visit Worksite

OHS

Information and resources for health and safety representatives and workers about how to speak up at work for health and safety.
Visit OHS

Union Aid Abroad

Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is the overseas aid and development agency of the ACTU. Our work aims to build self-reliance through support to educational and training projects for workers and their organisations in the developing world.
Visit Union Aid Abroad

ACTU National Union Directory

Find who you are looking for from the who’s who of the union movement.
Visit the ACTU National Union Dictionary
Australian Council of Trade Unions

Representing Australian workers and their families.