Melissa Donnelly Named New ACTU Secretary After Sally McManus 2026

Melissa Donnelly has been named the new head of the Australian trade union movement, succeeding Sally McManus as the secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). The 44-year-old national secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) was elected by the ACTU executive on Monday, marking a significant leadership transition for the peak body that has shaped Australia's workplace agenda.

Donnelly will take over from McManus, who along with ACTU president Michele O'Neil, announced their resignation last month after eight years as the first all-female leadership team in the ACTU's 99-year history. Their tenure saw major influence on the Albanese government's industrial relations policies, including the Secure Jobs, Better Pay reforms.

Who is Melissa Donnelly?

Melissa Donnelly began her career as a lawyer in private practice before joining the CPSU, where she rose through the ranks after spearheading the union's federal court case that enabled public servants to participate in the 'Your Rights at Work' campaign against the Howard government's WorkChoices legislation. She has served as CPSU national secretary for seven years, during which union membership grew by 23%.

Her achievements include pursuing flexible working arrangements, removing caps on work-from-home days, delivering 18 weeks' paid parental leave for both parents, and leading campaigns against government outsourcing to private consultancy firms.

Key Priorities for the New ACTU Secretary

In her first statement, Donnelly emphasized her commitment to delivering real outcomes for working people. She acknowledged the challenge of following Sally McManus, saying, 'Following in the footsteps of Sally is no easy task.' Her stated priorities include:

• Lifting living standards for all Australian workers
• Securing safer and more secure workplaces
• Advancing the interests of workers across every sector
• Meeting union members from every corner of Australia
• Continuing the fight against insecure work and wage stagnation

Comparison of ACTU Leadership Eras

The transition comes at a critical time for Australian unions, with the government's workplace reforms still being implemented. Donnelly's experience in the public sector will likely bring a fresh perspective, especially on issues like remote work policies and government contracting.

Reactions and Implications

Union leaders and political commentators have welcomed Donnelly's appointment, noting her legal background and proven track record in growing CPSU membership. Under her leadership, the CPSU recently took the Australian Taxation Office to the Fair Work Commission over workplace disputes, signaling her willingness to use legal channels to protect workers' rights.

The ACTU executive's decision to elect Donnelly, who is among the youngest secretaries in the body's history, suggests a generational shift in the union movement. Her focus on modern workplace issues like flexible work arrangements and parental leave may resonate with younger workers who have different expectations from employment.

FAQ

As Donnelly prepares to take the helm, the union movement faces both challenges and opportunities. With her legal expertise and grassroots experience, she is well-positioned to lead the ACTU into a new era, continuing the fight for fairer workplaces that has defined Australian unionism for nearly a century.

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