2006 ASU National Conference: building power in our workplaces and communities

The ASU National Conference 2006 commenced on Tuesday 21 November in Sydney. Deliberations will be based on the key theme of building power in our workplaces and communities. In the current WorkChoices environment, unions have increasingly learned the importance of organising in the community as well as the more traditional organising in the workplace.

The Conference was kicked off by a welcome to country by Rob Walsh of the Gadigal Clan of the Eora Nation, followed by a welcome from ASU National President Henrietta Moran.

National Secretary Paul Slape then delivered the opening address.

Commenting on how the two years since the last Conference have been very busy, Paul reflected that although the Conference forum often tends to focus on the challenges we face, this time the challenge cannot be underestimated. With the Federal Coalition Government winning control of the Senate, it has been open slather on workers.

"Now that the High Court has handed down its decision, there is nothing to stop Howard completing his agenda," said Paul.

Paul urged delegates to see the current fight as a call to re-examine the way we represent our members. Now more than ever we need a Labor Government back in power and the ASU must do everything in its power to ensure this happens at the next Federal election.

The Your Rights at Work campaign, headed by the ACTU, has been a great opportunity for unions to act in a more collective way amongst themselves. Paul said, "Win or lose this battle, the ASU and all unions must get in the best shape possible to survive and prosper."

During the Conference, ASU delegates will hear from Kim Beazley, Greg Combet and a host of other special guests who will help us reflect on the best way forward in our campaign. "We do need to build power to make our members and their Union strong," concluded Paul.

The program and agenda for National Conference 2006 can be downloaded from our Conference webpage:
www.asu.asn.au/history/natconf2006