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

Jobs growth, wages stalling while youth unemployment soars

May 19, 2016

The failure of the Turnbull Government to address unemployment has been exposed in ABS figures released today showing nearly three quarters of a million people remain out of work. Part time work continues to displace full time work. Youth unemployment is still in double digits.

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Young workers exploited due to lack of knowledge and enforcement of employment rules

May 17, 2016

Allegations published today by Fairfax that Price Waterhouse Coopers have been selling “unpaid internships” show how employers are able to exploit unclear and unenforced rules surrounding employment relationships.

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Australians dangerously uninformed on reality of PaTH scheme

May 16, 2016

Polling conducted by ReachTEL shows that 62.6% of voters in key marginal seats are less supportive of the government’s PaTH plan when they learn crucial details about the extremely low pay and lack of conditions that would be faced by workers in the scheme.

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Unions’ Telethon set to make 20,000 undecided voter calls

May 13, 2016

ACTU volunteers will be making 20,000 calls to voters across 34 marginal electorates this weekend, as Unions’ election campaign swings into full gear.

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A PaTH to nowhere: Liberal Government’s jobs ‘plan’ in tatters

May 12, 2016

Barely eight days after it was announced, the Turnbull Government’s internship plan is in tatters, with employment law experts questioning the legality of its Youth Jobs PaTH program under the current legislative framework – potentially blowing a $478 million black hole in the budget.

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Time to tackle inequality by raising the minimum wage

May 10, 2016

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) will today continue its fight for a $30 a week increase to the minimum wage at the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review.

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Government must address serious concerns with unravelling PaTH scheme

May 5, 2016

The ACTU is demanding Malcolm Turnbull and Michaelia Cash answer mounting questions relating to the PaTH internship program, unveiled in Tuesday’s budget.

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Turnbull’s $4 an hour internships a worker exploitation scheme

May 4, 2016

The ACTU today warned that the PaTH internship program unveiled in yesterday’s budget not only poses a serious risk for young people and inexperienced workers, but could also undermine Australia’s entire wage system.

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ACTU leads coalition of unions, social services, aid and environment groups

May 3, 2016

A coalition of civil society groups, led by ACTU President Ged Kearney and spanning the aid, women’s, environment and social service sectors, as well as unions, have come together to urge the Federal Government to deliver a Budget that protects the living standards of all Australians.

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Paris Agreement a step forward, but Australia still a long way behind

April 22, 2016

The Australian Council of Trade Unions today welcomed Australia signing the Paris Agreement, but warned the Federal Government lacks a comprehensive approach to climate change or a plan for industry adjustment and jobs.

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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.