The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) welcomes Melissa Donnelly's appointment as Secretary-elect of the ACTU.
In her seven years as CPSU National Secretary, Melissa has grown the membership by 23% and advanced the rights of public sector workers through member-led campaigns and robust political advocacy. Her steady, capable leadership has positioned the CPSU to continue its union power well into the future.
Before becoming National Secretary, Melissa held various roles in the CPSU, including leading members in Services Australia, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and a range of other federal government agencies. Melissa also ran the CPSU's national industrial and political work.
Under her leadership, the CPSU's membership numbers have increased steadily since 2019, as have the number of workplace delegates.
After winning the right to bargain common pay and conditions across the APS through service-wide bargaining in 2023, the CPSU delivered many groundbreaking rights including industry leading working from home rights, 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents, significantly improved pay rates in lower paid agencies, robust consultation rights, 25% casual loading, and several new leave types.
Melissa has led many CPSU campaigns including the fight against the private sector consultants and contractors in the public service, protecting public sector jobs and services, reforming the Employment Services system and more recently, under her leadership, the CPSU has taken the ATO to the Fair Work Commission over their alleged violations of the Albanese Government's Same Job Same Pay Laws.
The CPSU's Governing Council will meet next month to appoint a National Secretary.
Melissa will replace current ACTU Secretary Sally McManus who will step down at the end of August after a decade leading the union movement.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO BETH VINCENT-PIETSCH, CPSU PRESIDENT:
"Melissa has been a much loved and very effective National Secretary at CPSU and we are looking forward to seeing the great strides she will no doubt make leading the broader movement.
"Her commitment to the CPSU has kept our union a strong and respected voice in the broader labour movement, helping secure major Government reforms that delivered better pay and conditions for public sector workers."
"Throughout her tenure, Melissa has grown the union significantly and led member-driven campaigns that delivered real wins for workers across Australia. She has always put members first while her steady and capable leadership has ensured the union's voice continue well into the future.
"We wish Melissa every success in the new role and thank her for her enormous contribution to the CPSU and its members."
