Media Releases 2017



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

ACTU calls for Living Wage on 110th anniversary of Harvester Decision

November 2, 2017

The ACTU is calling for the minimum wage to be raised to the level of a living wage, on which a low-paid worker could support themselves and their family, after ABS figures released last week show that soaring cost of living is driving millions of workers into poverty.

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ACTU Executive condemns the political interference in unions and demands the government withdraws bills giving ROC more power

October 31, 2017

The ACTU Executive, meeting today has demanded that the Turnbull government immediately withdraw the two bills it has before the parliament that will give the Registered Organisations Commission and Minister Cash more power to intervene in unions.

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Massive increase in inadequate fines for wage theft

October 25, 2017

The massive increase in inadequate fines for dodgy employers from the Fair Work Ombudsman demonstrate that the rules are broken for working people.

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National Disgrace: LNP force Holden to close after 150 years

October 20, 2017

Today, Australia’s last major car manufacturing plant closes its doors – putting the final nail in the coffin of an industry that has employed hundreds of thousands of Australians.

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Working visa changes must fix broken system

October 18, 2017

The Australian Council of Trade Unions has made a submission to the Turnbull Government Visa Simplification Review calling for systemic failures in the visa system to be addressed as part of proposed changes and simplification.

Australia needs a work visa system which focuses on permanent migration and serves the interests of the economy as a whole, rather than catering exclusively to the interests of business.

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Labor to change the rules on sham agreements

October 18, 2017

The ACTU welcomes Brendan O’Connor’s announcement that the Australian Labor Party will act to address the use of non-representative agreements if it forms the next government.

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Cross-bench unites to oppose anti-democratic “Ensuring Integrity” bill

October 17, 2017

The cross bench in the lower house joined with the Australian Labor Party to oppose the Turnbull Government’s anti-worker, anti-democratic “Ensuring Integrity” bill.

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Statement from ACTU President Ged Kearney on Anti-Poverty Week

October 16, 2017

This week is anti-poverty week, a reminder that three million working Australians are living in poverty.

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ACTU welcomes renewed commitment to manufacturing industry

October 14, 2017

The Australian Council of Trade Unions has welcomed the announcement today by the ALP that they will commit a billion dollars to an Advanced Manufacturing Finance Corporation (AMFC).

We also welcome the commitment for the AMFC to be able to partner with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

Initiatives like this are critical to revitalising a sector that been decimated by successive LNP governments through their anti-job agenda of free trade agreements and offshoring.

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Turnbull can reverse penalty rate cuts decision

October 11, 2017

The ACTU has condemned the decision of the Turnbull government to back cuts to penalty rates, after the Federal Court turned down attempts to protect the pay of low-paid workers.

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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.