Scheduled elections will soon be held to fill vacancies which will arise as at the start of 2024 both at NT and Federal level, writes Branch Secretary – Rachael Metcalfe.
Scheduled Election: AEU NT Executive Councillors
Firstly, there are scheduled elections for all of our Executive Councillor offices for a two year term of office (2024 – 2026). Current positions will become vacant at the end of this year. The AEU NT regions are:
- Palmerston and Rural
- Darwin
- Arnhem
- Alice Springs
- Katherine
- Barkly
Any current financial member from a region can be nominated for that region’s Executive Councillor position/s. These are important roles where you have the opportunity to represent the members in your region, further the union’s policy aims, participate in governance, planning and organising activities.
The time commitment needed for being on Branch Executive consists of ten days throughout the year in face to face meetings, (these are each of 2 days’ duration and include the two days of our annual Branch Conference) and in addition four half day Zoom meetings. The union has standing arrangements with the Department of Education to have leave approved for Executive meetings and this is not deducted from any of your other types of leave. Travel and other expenses are covered if you usually work in a remote or regional community.
Scheduled Election: AEU Federal Conference Delegates, Federal Council and Committee Members
In addition, scheduled elections will be held shortly for several AEU Federal positions that require NT representation.
- Federal Conference delegate
- ATSI Federal Conference delegate
- National TAFE Council Executive Member
- Yalukit Yulendji (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee) General & TAFE division
- National Principals’ Committee Member from the General Division
- National Early Childhood Committee Member from the General Division
Members are encouraged to consider nominating for these positions when the elections open. The AEU Federal Office meets the associated costs to facilitate the attendance of the successful candidates at these meetings. It is important that the NT’s voice is heard on the national stage in all of the above forums, so we urge any eligible members who may be considering nominating for election and have further queries to contact Michelle Ayres, the NT Branch President for additional information.
Special Election: AEU NT Indigenous Councillor
There will also be an election to fill the office of Executive Councillor representing Indigenous Teachers and Indigenous Education Workers in schools and institutions for the remainder of the term for this role, ie. until the end of 2024. This is because insufficient nominations were received in a previous election (E2022/69).
Ensure you get your ballot papers in time to vote!
Please ensure your mailing address is current and advise us within the next week here at the office if it needs updating as we have to provide a roll of electors to the AEC for the elections which are still held as a paper ballot. Mis-delivered or undeliverable ballot papers may mean you don’t have to chance to vote in these important elections!
Important timelines to note, (more to come)…
We are in the process of determining some of the election dates with the AEC, however the following timeline is already in place:
24/07/2023 – the cut-off date for entitlement, ie. if you became a financial member of the AEU NT AFTER this date, you will be ineligible to vote in either of these elections
22/07/2023 – nominations open for both elections, Federal and NT
21/08/2023 – nominations close for both elections
The AEC will provide official notices of dates, along with instructions for nominations and voting. These will be sent to members as we receive them.