If you do not receive your ballot pack by 26 September 2025, you can request a replacement from the AEC on 03 9285 7111 or by emailing IEBEvents@aec.gov.au. Voter information was supplied to the AEC on 1 July 2025 from our membership database. If your address has changed since you last updated your details with the AEU NT, please contact both us and the AEC to ensure your ballot is correctly issued.
Candidate Statements
Statements submitted by candidates to the AEC in accordance with AEU NT Branch Rule 105A. The contents of the statements here have been reproduced as received from the candidates. Only the presentation has been amended for publication purposes.
These statements have been approved by Taylah Grillo (AEC Returning Officer) and published on behalf of the Branch by Michelle Ayres (NT Branch President)
Candidates for the position of Branch Secretary (1)
Download PDF version of these statement published the AEC: E2025-56 AEU NT – Branch Secretary Candidate Statement
Rachael Metcalfe
I have over twenty years’ teaching experience in Aotearoa, the UK and the NT and seven years as an active AEU NT member in a variety of roles prior to being elected as Branch Secretary in 2023. I have seen firsthand the challenges our members face – from unsustainable workloads, underfunded schools and the ongoing need for stronger workplace protections.
I am standing again for this position because I believe in a union which continues to listen, act and deliver real outcomes for its members as evidenced in our recent wins for Educators in bargaining and school funding.
This is a multifaceted role with considerable responsibilities in audit, compliance and governance. I have worked with statutory bodies and auditors, accountants, lawyers and others on our Branch Executive to complete three audits, lodge statutory returns, effect Rule changes and update our organisation’s policies and procedures.
I believe that strong leadership means listening to members, acting with integrity, and being present and accountable. As Branch Secretary, I will continue to work hard to represent your interests, defend our rights and build a stronger union together.
I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.
In solidarity
Rachael Metcalfe
Brian Gray
Since I arrived in the NT ten years ago, I have always been a union member and put up my hand for any job that needed doing: sub-branch rep, regional secretary, branch vice president and now treasurer. As a volunteer, I have helped co-ordinate strike action in Arnhem Land, write reports and policy documents, and produce the Branch’s annual budget. A highlight was my time working for AEU Federal on the ‘For Every Child’ campaign, which saw the disaster of attendance-based funding finally overturned and won an extra $1.2 billion for Territory schools.
I have taught in Yuendumu, Yirrkala, Gapuwiyak, and Darwin. I am passionate about remote education, team teaching, and supporting Aboriginal language and culture in schools, and I have fought consistently for my colleagues and our students to have the working and learning conditions they deserve.
In a small branch like ours, being Secretary is a huge job. One person has to ensure compliance with legislation, manage the finances, lead our fantastic staff, and also take on individual member cases. I believe I can do this. And I believe that despite our small size, the Territory can and should have a powerful, well-run and democratic education union.
Candidates for the position of East Arnhem Executive Councillor (1)
Download the PDF version of these statements published by the AEC: E2025-56 AEU NT – East Arnhem Candidate Statements
Alessa Fremmer
(No candidate statement was submitted by the deadline.)
Tom Hermes
Glorious AEU Members!
I am proud to be running for Executive Councillor of the East Arnhem region. I am currently the Regional President for Arnhem, as well as being sub-branch President at Laynhapuy Homelands School for the last three years. My experience in these roles has allowed me to learn a lot about the issues that matter to members in the region, and about how we can make meaningful improvements to working and living conditions for teachers through union advocacy. As Bob Dylan said, “Can’t you see I’m a union man?”
I’ve attended the last three Branch Conferences and advocated for numerous motions on topics like: housing equity, disability funding, equality of access to technology, minimum resourcing standards, and more. I’ve worked with the AEU Executive to achieve significant results for members, including amending the Remote Category status of my school.
If elected Councillor, I pledge to:
• Faithfully represent the members of the Arnhem region;
• Be a strong advocate for taking action on matters of concern to members;
• Not go on holiday to Hawaii during burning-off season;
• And, keep members informed about decisions taken by Branch Executive.
VOTE 1 President TOM HERMES for Executive Councillor!
Candidates for the position of Central Executive Councillor (2)
Download PDF version from the AEC here: E2025-56 AEU NT – Central Candidate Statements
Joshua Byrne
I want to bring a young, passionate voice to the challenges we face as educators in the Central Region and across the NT. I am deeply committed to protecting and advancing workers’ rights, with several years of experience in political and issue-based activism and advocacy. Our work and lives as educators are shaped by numerous challenges, and meeting them requires a union that is steadfast and uncompromising in its fight.
I also believe the AEU NT can, and should, take a stronger stance on issues beyond the classroom. The realities we face daily – working with some of the most disadvantaged young people and families in the developed world – demand that we tackle broader systemic problems head-on. These include addressing housing shortages and overcrowding for our young people, securing greater funding for victims of domestic violence, supporting evidence-based responses to youth crime, and pushing for a real and tangible response to the catastrophic effects of climate change – effects for which our young people will be among the first and hardest hit.
In solidarity,
Joshua Byrne
Kenneth Guest
(No candidate statement was submitted by the deadline.)
Gillian Furniss
I have been on the AEUNT executive board for two full terms; representing the Alice Springs Central Region. I supported the end of the wage freeze for all teachers and just recently the very successful EBA for teaching staff with the bonuses allocated to Alice Springs and Katherine regions. This has helped us to retain teachers in our schools. The General Agreement for 2025 is still progressing. I enjoy representing our region and supporting the members in the Central region. The conference in 2026 is being held in Alice Springs and this will be fabulous recognition for the town. Please vote as this is what helps a democracy to achieve the best for the members.