HSU National Conference and National Council

Pictured above: Craig McGregor – VAHPA Secretary

The National Council of the HSU met on October 22 and 23 for the annual National Conference and Council Meeting.

With branches present from all over Australia, the 2015 conference was an opportunity for National Councillors to meet and greet their colleagues from interstate, and hear in detail from the National Officers about what has been happening over the last year.

Most importantly, this year’s conference saw National Councillors engage with important social justice issues. There were keynote presenters on three of the biggest contemporary issues facing us all: climate change; the refugee crisis; and drug reform.

After hearing a disturbing and inspiring presentation from the President of the Climate and Health Alliance, Dr Liz Hanna, the delegates heard from guest speakers on the plight of refugees and asylum-seekers, including the alarming experiences of a mental health nurse who spent 5 years on Christmas Island.

Completing the session was a powerful presentation by David Stanley on drug reform, before delegates work-shopped the ways in which the union can play a more active role in these very important social issues.

On the second day of the conference the ACTU presented their Build a Better Future campaign before the Shadow Minister for Employment, Brendan O’Connor provided his perspective on the current state of affairs and took questions from delegates.

The Conference concluded and the formal meeting of the Annual National Council Meeting completed the proceedings.