AWU NSW Branch announcement: Changing the guard

The AWU’s NSW branch has announced a change in the guard but will remain committed to expanding its membership and delivering better pay, conditions and workplace rights for workers across the state.

Daniel Walton is standing down as NSW Secretary to focus on his role as National Secretary and will pass the baton to Tony Callinan, who is currently Assistant Branch Secretary.

Mr Walton said: “It’s been an absolute honour to represent our members in NSW but it’s now time to hand over the reins to Tony Callinan.

Tony and I have worked closely to ensure we have a branch that is bucking the trend of many unions and is growing in strength every day.

“That’s testament to having a great team in place with officials who are dedicated to serving their members whether they be in Port Kembla, Coffs Harbour or Griffith.

“We are a true campaigning union, fighting to deliver better pay, conditions and safety for members at work.

This has been boosted by our dedicated campaign team which is supporting our members during enterprise bargaining and driving growth of our union.

“This branch has a long and proud history and I would have loved to have continued to serve our members.

But I now need to focus on my role as National Secretary and representing our members across the entire country.”

Tony Callinan said: “The NSW branch is stronger than ever and has been at the centre of countless enterprise agreements and campaigns that have not only saved jobs, but they’ve also improved pay and conditions and provided all important job security.

“We’re also delivering more and more services to our members. We’ve ramped up training of our delegates and HSRs with an incredible 119 new delegates on our books since 2019.

“My job will be to ensure we expand even further and make inroads into even more workplaces in 2021.

The pandemic has demonstrated to more people than ever just how vital union expertise can be and we will build on that.”

Lorna Fairless will continue on as Branch President and Paul Farrow and Paul Delaney will become the new assistant secretaries.

Ms Fairless added: “As a rank and file member of the union, I have seen firsthand the outcomes delivered by Daniel over the last few years for both our members in NSW and nationally. It goes without saying that we are glad he is continuing on in his role as National Secretary.

“Dan leaves big boots to fill but Tony’s union skill, history and knowledge are second to none. Tony has been a member, a delegate, union official and now head of the AWU NSW branch – experience that will prove invaluable in the next chapter of our branch.”

The AWU NSW branch has also upped its health and safety training which is already paying dividends on worksites across the country.

You too can benefit from the skills and expertise of the AWU’s NSW branch by joining the AWU today.