ASU Regional Delegates’ Conferences - 2008

The Australian Services Union held 10 regional conferences across Victoria during October, giving members an opportunity to discuss issues not only in their workplace, but also problems facing employees generally in local government.

Assistant Branch Secretary Igor Grattan was very pleased with the turnout, highlighting the importance of such days for those affiliated with the union.

“Russell Atwood and I attended most of the ten conferences and were quite happy with the turnout. There were more attendees than normal. The feedback we got from members was quite positive and one of the major positives was that all the delegates had the chance to interact with each other. That interaction gives delegates a chance to catch up on some of the issues they face, and the issues that others around them are experiencing. It’s really good to get these sort of issues out in the open, as the ASU can then help everybody find suitable resolutions,” added Igor, who announced that the delegates were really keen to continue to communicate after the conferences.

“All of the delegates were really keen to keep in touch, whether it was through council newsletters or meetings, which would be a step in the right direction.”

Igor also announced that one of the major issues discussed at the conferences was the proposed plan for a federally-funded home and community care (HACC) service.  

“The regional conferences were a perfect opportunity to report on the home and community care services issue. It certainly is of great concern to the regional delegates, not just because of the threat of job loss, but also the loss of quality care provided to those who use the service. There was one story told where a person had a care service being provided by a private contractor, and the person in question had been in bed for three days without one worker from this contractor coming out to care for her. This is the type of situation we will be trying to avoid.”

WHAT SOME OF OUR MEMBERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE CONFERENCES….

“It is really important for me to go to these conferences, as it keeps me updated with what is going on within the union. We are out in the bush so it is harder to stay in touch with everything, and it gives us a chance to catch up with other delegates. Being part of the union is important because we need to work together. If you are alone, you tend to get pushed around when it comes the rights of workers. The conference made me realise that I have the support of other members and that advice is available, helping me through any situation I may encounter.”

-Jason Lowerson, Murrindindi Shire

“It was good to see where the union was at and where we are heading in the future” – David Boness, Glenelg Shire Council

“I enjoyed all the sessions, especially the workplace legislation which was very interesting and informative. It was also good having the ASU campaign launch with the delegates’ conference.” – Gary Lucas, Colac Otway Shire Council

“It was great to find out what is happening in the ASU right now and in the future. It was also good to be informed on what is happening in other industries and the campaigns taking place, like the issue with HACC finding.” -Lindsay McRae, Lower Murray Regional Water

“It was a chance to meet other delegates and exchange information. It is also good to be involved in the union’s decision-making process.” -Alex Serrurier, Golden Plains Shire Council

“This is the first ASU Regional Delegates’ Conference I have been to, and I found out some really interesting information.” – Lorraine Thomson, Greater Geelong City Council

“I always find these conferences very relaxing. It’s not just a case of us all sitting there with one person standing up front talking. It was good how Igor and Russell kept everybody interested and involved.” – Deb Jones, Ballarat City Council

“The day certainly gave us a better insight to the way the ASU is structured.” -Ian Townsley, East Gippsland Shire Council

I think it’s important to attend these conferences to stay in touch with events on a local, regional and national basis. By speaking to other members in our own region we also learn about the issues that are affecting them and how they’ve resolved their workplace disputes. This keeps us better prepared should similar situations arise in our organisation in the future. At the conference I learnt that similar problems are facing employees and delegates in other areas. Having said that, it constantly amazes me to see the number of issues that arise from time to time. Non-members simply don’t understand or appreciate the volume of work that unions do. The ASU certainly gives its members good value for money with the limited resources that they have. By listening to others at this conference, I feel I’ve gained more confidence and knowledge to help deal with management on similar workplace matters in the future. – John Gribben, Greater Shepparton City Council