Member Bulletin Number 3 2021

In this bulletin:

Results of AEU NT Branch Executive elections
Update on COVID-19 vaccine rollout
AEU report on Katherine housing – subsidy removal having a negative impact
Support staff survey for enterprise bargaining
Only two weeks left to register for Branch Conference
Celebrate International Women’s Day this Saturday

Results of AEU NT Branch Executive elections
Elections were concluded this week for four senior positions on the union’s Branch Executive. The following candidates were elected for a two-year term commencing immediately and concluding in January 2023:

President: Jarvis Ryan
Vice-President (General): Michael Pearson
Vice-President (TAFE): Delean Holtze
Treasurer: Julie Danvers

The declaration of results can be accessed here.

The Women’s Officer and Indigenous Councillor positions remain vacant and a subsequent election will be held for these positions.

Casual vacancies currently exist for two Executive Councillor positions representing the Arnhem and Darwin regions, respectively. These regions will shortly call for nominations, if necessary, hold an election via electronic ballot.

Contact the Branch Secretary if you would like more information about the process of nominating for a Branch Executive position.

Update on COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Last week we advised members of the union’s stance on the COVID-19 vaccine and the rollout. At a national level, the AEU wrote to the federal Health Minister, and the NT branch wrote to the Minister for Health requesting that AEU members working in front line roles (especially those working with vulnerable cohorts) receive priority access to the vaccine, noting that workforce groups such as police, nurses and meatworkers are defined as “critical workers” but teaching staff are not, despite being classified as frontline workers during the pandemic. We were advised by a senior health officer that further discussions are taking place between health officials on exactly who should be included in the critical worker category. The Full-Time Officers will provide further updates to members on this issue as we know more.

AEU report on Katherine housing – subsidy removal having a negative impact
We have published a report on the growing housing challenges for members in Katherine township based on our findings from a recent visit to the town. It is very clear that the removal of the subsidy is impacting on recruitment and retention in the town. The AEU is calling on the Minister for Education and the Department’s Chief Executive to reconsider the phasing out of the subsidy.

Support staff survey on enterprise bargaining
Enterprise bargaining commences this month for AEU members covered by the NTPS general agreement – this includes preschool assistants, SESOs, admin officers and psychologists.

If you’re in this category, check your emails in the coming days for a member survey we are circulating to better understand your working conditions and key issues. The information we gain from this survey will assist in finalising our log of claims and substantiating them in bargaining.

Only two weeks left to register for Branch Conference
The closing date to register for our annual conference is fast approaching. All registrations and sub-branch motions must be submitted by Friday 19 March (Term 1, week 7). More information on the conference is here, and once delegates are elected you can register online here. Motions and any queries should be emailed to [email protected].

Celebrate International Women’s Day this Saturday
Members in the Darwin area are encouraged to join the AEU/union contingent at IWD celebrations this Saturday 6 March. Gather in Civic Park from 8.30am for a short walk from 9.00am followed by guest speakers, food stalls and entertainment. More information is available at the City of Darwin website. Come wave the AEU flag with us – all welcome!