July 30, 2024
Our Queensland District held a successful quadrennial convention in Rockhampton last week, with delegates from mines, power and ports debating challenges and future priorities.
The District has experienced significant change since the last convention was held in 2020, including a change of leadership with the departure of Stephen Smyth to the national office and election of Mitch Hughes as District President; along with new Vice-Presidents Brodie Brunker, Jeff Pearce and Heath Timmins.
District membership has grown from 6800 in 2020 to about 8500 members today, with future plans focused on continuing growth and effective representation of members.
The Queensland District’s many achievements over the past four years include:
- Australia’s first Same Job Same Pay orders under new laws at Callide mine
- Reduction of respirable mine dust levels due to union campaigning
- Multiple legal victories against BHP including challenges to substandard OS agreements, public holiday rights and exposing Australia’s biggest wages underpayment
- Significant unfair dismissal wins for labour hire members
- New Lodges established at Poitrel and Carmichael mines.
There have also been significant challenges during the last four years including four fatalities in Queensland coal mines and serious workplace incidents including explosions at Callide power station and recently at Grosvenor underground mine. ISHR Stephen Woods’ death from cancer in May has also been a sad loss for the District.
Delegates discussed safety, legal developments, organising, communications and politics, with presentations from officials, staff and guests including Queensland Senator and Emergency Services Minister Murray Watt and Anne Baker, former Isaac Mayor and now candidate for Burdekin in the upcoming Queensland State election.
District President Mitch Hughes said the Convention was a positive event where delegates engaged in constructive debate about the future.
“Our District is growing but we have a lot more to do to reach our full potential. Encouraging members to step up into active positions in the Union is essential to our continuing growth and success. It was great to have new faces at this year’s Convention and I look forward to many more people getting involved and having a say in decision-making over the four years ahead.”