Sally McManus, the outgoing secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), has announced her departure after 33 years as a union official. Her tenure reshaped Australia's industrial landscape, and now she plans to go birding.
Sally McManus's Legacy in Australian Labour
McManus took on the role of ACTU secretary in 2017, facing immediate criticism for her comments on unjust industrial laws. Over nearly a decade, she became a transformative figure, pushing for worker-friendly policies under the Turnbull, Morrison, and Albanese governments. Her leadership, alongside ACTU president Michele O'Neil, marked the first all-female leadership team in the union's 99-year history.
Get Lifetime Access to Top AI Tools
Find Bleeding Edge Business Software at Scandalous Prices on Appsumo.
Her achievements include campaigns for same job, same pay protections, the right to disconnect, wage theft criminalisation, and minimum standards for gig economy workers. She also helped strengthen early childhood education and aged care sectors, and advocated for domestic violence support for women and children.
Key Victories and Reforms
- Same job, same pay protections for labour hire workers
- Laws giving workers the right to disconnect from work communications
- Criminalisation of wage theft and stronger enforcement
- Minimum pay, insurance, and safety standards for gig economy workers
- Increased funding for early childhood education and aged care
Challenges and Pressures
McManus's tenure was not without controversy. She faced criticism from business groups and political opponents, and navigated allegations of corruption within unions like the CFMEU. The COVID-19 pandemic and the productivity roundtable with Treasurer Jim Chalmers added further complexity to her role.
What's Next for McManus?
After handing over the reins at the end of the month, McManus is looking forward to a break. She told Guardian Australia, "It's been 33 years as a union official, 22 of them as a leader, and nine-and-a-half as ACTU secretary. It never stops." Her immediate plans include birding, a hobby she's eager to pursue.
Impact on Australian Workers
McManus's legacy is defined by her relentless advocacy for low-paid workers and her ability to influence government policy. Her work has left a lasting mark on Australia's industrial relations, with many reforms now embedded in law.
| Reform | Year | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Same job, same pay | 2023 | Equal pay for labour hire workers |
| Right to disconnect | 2024 | Workers can ignore after-hours contact |
| Wage theft criminalisation | 2024 | Penalties for underpaying workers |
| Gig economy standards | 2024 | Minimum pay and safety for gig workers |
FAQ
Why is Sally McManus leaving the ACTU?
Sally McManus is stepping down after 33 years as a union official, including nine-and-a-half years as ACTU secretary. She announced her departure to focus on personal interests like birding and to take a well-deserved break.
What are Sally McManus's key achievements?
Her key achievements include campaigning for same job, same pay protections, the right to disconnect, wage theft criminalisation, and minimum standards for gig economy workers. She also helped strengthen early childhood education and aged care.
Who is replacing Sally McManus as ACTU secretary?
The article does not specify a successor. However, Michele O'Neil, the ACTU president, also announced her departure, and a new leadership team will be elected to guide the union forward.
As McManus transitions to a quieter life, her impact on Australian labour will be felt for years to come. Her leadership has set a precedent for worker advocacy, and her decision to step down marks the end of an era.
Home Decor Shop
Acacia frida deluxe solid wood bed frame |
Bedroom bench |
Bed chest drawers |
Lingerie dresser |
Frame base |
Mirror with jewelry storage |
30 Bathroom Vanity |
Memory foam queen mattress |
Mattresses for back pain |
Nightstand set of 2 |
Grand Goldman Shop |
Civil Lawyer
Deutschland Trikot WM 2026
