Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

Leigh Hubbard makes way for new blood at Trades Hall

Victorian Trades Hall Council Secretary Leigh Hubbard today announced his resignation from the position, effective from Friday, April 8, 2005.
Mr Hubbard indicated that with elections due in May for another four- year term it was time for new leadership at the peak body of the Victorian trade union movement.

'It has been an honour to serve the trade union movement as Secretary of Trades Hall since 1995. I thank the affiliates of the hall and the working people of Victoria for that honour,' he said.

'I have thought about this decision long and hard, and whilst I have the support of Victorian unions I feel it is time for some fresh ideas and new blood, particularly given the current political climate,' Mr Hubbard added.

'My heart is with the union movement and in the face of the Howard Government's agenda I am optimistic that the long and proud tradition of the Victorian union movement will be carried on,' he concluded.

VTHC President Michele O'Neil paid tribute to Mr Hubbard's ten years at the helm.

'Leigh's tenure as Secretary will be remembered for his leadership in delivering real improvements for working people and the union movement's role in significant campaigns for justice,' she said.

'These include his leadership during the 1998 waterfront dispute, his role in bringing back award wages and the common law right to sue for injured workers, as well as a tougher and better Occupational Health and Safety Act.'

'He will also be remembered for the tireless commitment and leadership he provided during the East Timor crisis, mobilising the entire community behind the push to send troops into Timor against the backdrop of a reluctant government,' she added.

'Leigh's capacity to work with a range of people and organisations and achieve progressive change in all facets of community life, not just unions, will be sorely missed. At the same time, it is a healthy thing that the trade union movement renews itself and considers who will be the right leader for the times ahead,' she concluded.

Nominations for the Secretary and all other elected positions of the VTHC will be taken at the May 5 Council meeting of the peak body. Should an election be necessary it will be held soon after this date.

Mr Hubbard will take up the position of National Executive Officer at the United Firefighters Union in the near future.

Selected highlights of Leigh Hubbard's ten-year term include:

1995 - Elected VTHC Secretary

1996 - Campaign against Workplace Relations Act

1998 - Leading campaigner during MUA waterfront dispute

1999 -Leads community coalition to send troops to East Timor, Bracks government elected, - leads successful campaign against Peter Reith's 2nd wave industrial legislation

2000 - Leads campaign for restoration of common law right to sue for injured workers in Victoria

2004 - Negotiates common rule awards for Victorian workers and changes to the OH&S legislation, leads campaign for justice for asbestos victims (James Hardie)

Leigh Hubbard is a member and avid contributor to the Victorian Learning and Employment Skills Commission, the Manufacturing Industry Consultative Council, the Victorian WorkCover Authority Advisory Committee and the Ethical Clothing Trades Council.


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