The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) national secretary, Melissa Donnelly, has been elected as the next secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), replacing Sally McManus, who resigned last month. The ACTU executive made the decision on Monday, making the 44-year-old one of the youngest secretaries in the peak body's 99-year history.
Leadership transition
McManus and ACTU president Michele O'Neil announced their resignations last month, ending an eight-year tenure as the first all-female leadership team. They were instrumental in shaping the Albanese government's workplace policies.
Donnelly, who began her career as a lawyer in private practice, has led the CPSU for seven years. She rose to prominence after spearheading the union's federal court case that allowed public servants to join the 'Your Rights at Work' campaign against the Howard government's WorkChoices legislation.
Donnelly's statement
In a statement, Donnelly called the appointment a 'tremendous honour' and acknowledged the challenge ahead. 'Following in the footsteps of Sally is no easy task,' she said. 'She has dedicated her life to fighting for fairer, safer and more secure workplaces.'
'I am eager to get to work delivering real outcomes for working people and advancing the interests of workers across the country,' Donnelly added. 'Most of all, I am looking forward to meeting union members from every corner of Australia and serving alongside you as we work to lift living standards and secure a better future for all.'
Track record at CPSU
Under Donnelly's leadership, the CPSU saw a 23% increase in membership. She pursued flexible working arrangements, including removing caps on remote work days, delivering 18 weeks' paid parental leave for both parents, and leading a campaign to reverse government outsourcing to private consultancies. Recently, the union took the tax office to the Fair Work Commission over alleged breaches of the 'same job same pay' laws.
Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher congratulated Donnelly, noting they had worked 'closely together' to rebuild the public service. 'Melissa has been a tireless advocate for public servants,' Gallagher said. 'I know she'll bring that same determination and experience to standing up for workers across Australia.'
Support from McManus
McManus said Donnelly had 'overwhelming support' across the union movement, describing her as 'smart, strategic and completely focused on the needs of working people.' She added, 'The average union member is a 44-year-old working mother and so is Melissa. She's a year younger than I was when I took up the office and represents generational change.'
'With two school-age children and having led a large union, she well knows the pressures working people are under. She has my full support, and I look forward to assisting her as she steps into the role,' McManus said.
