It’s lovely to be speaking to you again as we emerge from a cold and wet winter. Spring days are almost here again!

As always, the HSU has been a hive of activity this last few months, with members leading the charge on so many issues that are important to all health and aged care workers.

With the Conference, the Federal Election, final submissions to the Aged Care Work Value Case, preparations for the State Election and so many other day-to-day matters, there has hardly been time to draw breath!

It’s been wonderful to see a revitalised Private Health team assisting members with negotiating a whole raft of enterprise agreements. It’s bargaining season and we are well and truly committed to getting the best possible results for members – that means improved conditions and meaningful pay rises that actually recognise the work members have done for their employers during the last couple of years.

HSU members working in private pathology services have given so much to assist with testing and keeping our community safe. It’s vital that we recognise the value of this work. We have already seen a couple of agreements sensationally voted down because employers didn’t want to share the profits of members’ hard work – we’ll be dragging them back to the bargaining table to finish the job.

I’ve been privileged to continue assisting our Indigenous Development Committee in their important work, and I’m so happy to play a part in helping out. We are on the cusp of another round of funding for deserving community projects – keep an eye out as we distribute information to members in early November.

I’ll be joining Gerard and our wonderful new Assistant Secretary Lauren Hutchins as we continue to meet members from all over NSW, ACT and Queensland. Getting to talk to you all is always a thrill and it informs everything I do.

The HSU’s new campaign Walk In My Shoes will be a key topic as we speak to members at their workplaces. We’re determined to make sure that everyone working in our health system gets the respect and dignity that they deserve – no matter how far up the hierarchy they are. We will be visiting Armidale and Tamworth soon, followed by many other worksites. Can’t wait to see you!

All the best to you and your family.