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

Case for paid family and domestic violence leave commences at Fair Work Commission

November 14, 2016

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) on Monday (14/11/16) commences its case in the Fair Work
Commission for a new modern award entitlement of 10 days’ paid family and domestic violence leave.

Australian Unions are holding a national day of action to mark the beginning of the case and to remember
the 66 women who have been killed by a partner or family member so far in 2016.

Read More

Melbourne Media Event: National day of action: Hundreds to converge on Melbourne CBD to support Domestic Violence Leave

November 14, 2016

When: Monday 14 November, 2016
Where: Fair Work Commission, 11 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Time: 8:45am –

All media are invited to attend

Read More

Canberra Media Event : A Fairer, Cleaner Future – Just Transition conference for the Australian electricity sector

November 9, 2016

Canberra Media Event:
A Fairer, Cleaner Future — Just Transition conference for the Australian electricity sector

9:00am – 12:15pm
Thursday 10 November, 2016

Where: Mercure Hotel, cnr Ainslie & Limestone Avenue, Braddon

Read More

Hazelwood closure highlights the need for a Federal Government intervention in a Just Transition plan

November 8, 2016

Australian Unions call on the Turnbull Government to step up and play a proper role in the transition of coal fired power stations in the wake of the Paris Agreement. Releasing a national blueprint for a Just Transition today, the ACTU highlights the fact that the country is dealing with a major cross jurisdictional issue that is crying out for a national plan.

Read More

Statement on closure of Hazelwood Power Station

November 3, 2016

Statement from Ged Kearney, President, ACTU:
The news today that the Hazelwood Power Station is to close will hit communities in the Latrobe Valley hard. The union movement stands with these communities in this difficult time and is determined that workers in the Latrobe valley will not be forced to go through an extremely difficult process with no plan in place to secure their future employment and the future viability of their communities.

Read More

Government must back away from TPP or risk 39,000 local jobs

October 17, 2016

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is appearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) today (17/10/2016) to provide economic evidence that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will destroy 39,000 Australian jobs.

Read More

After Seven Years and Millions of Dollars, Decision Announced in Pac Rim Mining Company vs. El Salvador: Coalition of Groups States “There are No Winners” Investor-State Arbitration Subverts Democracy

October 17, 2016

Cabañas, El Salvador / Washington DC / Ottawa / Melbourne – Civil society groups worldwide that have allied with Salvadoran communities and organisations working on mining and environmental issues reacted to today’s decision by the controversial International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) on the seven-year old case of Pac Rim Cayman vs. El Salvador, stating that “there are no winners” in this case. On Friday, October 14, the tribunal announced their decision that Pac Rim’s lawsuit was without merit and hence that El Salvador will not have to pay the company the $250 million that it sought.

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ACTU mourns loss of New Zealand union leader Helen Kelly

October 14, 2016

ACTU mourns loss of New Zealand union leader Helen Kelly

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Just Transition: a fair way forward for workers in changing industries

October 12, 2016

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) welcomes the establishment of a Senate Inquiry into Just Transition in the electricity sector. It is imperative that workers be given the highest consideration as the industry faces major change in coming years.

Read More

A “Buy Australian Act” will create jobs

October 10, 2016

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is calling for all Australian political parties to support a Buy Australian Act that would require all major government projects and services to use locally manufactured goods, such as steel, iron, clothing and equipment.

Read More

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.