ANMF pays tribute to ACTU leaders Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil

The country’s largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has paid tribute to the work of ACTU Secretary Sally McManus and president Michele O’Neil, who have announced they are leaving the organisation. ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler, who also sits as ACTU Vice President, said Sally and Michele made an extraordinary collective contribution to the nation’s industrial relations (IR) system, delivering a raft of reforms that improved the everyday lives of Australian workers. “Sally and Michele have demonstrated an unwavering commitment and conviction to securing ongoing IR reforms, fighting for fairer wages and conditions and safer workplaces. Their leadership has helped drive important policy campaigns on workplace rights, secure employment, cost-of-living, tax reforms and gender equity,” Ms Butler said. “As a predominantly-female union, the ANMF commends Sally and Michele for achieving so many significant IR legislative changes which have addressed legacy gender inequity in Australian workplaces. Notably, they helped win historic increases in award and minimum wages, which have benefitted low-paid care workers across the country. “We pay tribute to their extraordinary courage and commitment. Their generous and inclusive leadership has built enormous unity and created the platform for strong growth across the movement.” Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil were elected to the ACTU leadership in 2017 and 2018 respectively and are the longest serving leadership team since 1969. They will stagger their departure with Sally stepping down on 28 August and Michele staying as ACTU President until later this year to assist with the leadership transition. “Their inspiring leadership and extremely hard work leave a lasting mark on Australia’s IR system that will continue to provide a better future for ANMF members and the wider workforce,” Ms Butler added. “On behalf of the ANMF we thank Sally and Michele for their tireless courage, guidance and leadership and service to the Australian union movement and we wish them both every success in the next chapter of their careers.” Ms Butler said the ANMF looks forward to working with ACTU affiliates to support a successful transition to new leadership. About us: The ANMF, with over 356,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.