For everyone A brighter future: the 2022 federal election campaign

  • By Rachel Power
  • This article was published more than 1 year ago.
  • 6 Jul 2022

AEU members didn’t waste a minute in the lead up to the federal election, joining volunteers and activists across the state to letterbox marginal electorates and attend polling booths, urging voters to prioritise public education, equality, climate action and workers’ rights when they cast their votes on 21 May. 

It is this kind of grassroots action that builds the momentum for change. “No matter what you did – every contribution, every conversation made a difference. They all added up to the result on Saturday,” said AEU branch deputy president Justin Mullaly, acknowledging the campaign efforts of AEU members and officials. “We can’t create that positive change unless people like you put in the hard yards and bring others with you.”

The election was a historic event in Australian politics, with Anthony Albanese leading Labor back into power after almost a decade of conservative government. It was also a celebration of democracy, with Australians making it clear they want a government that looks out for ordinary people, and takes action on the issues they care about. 

 


No matter what you did – every contribution, every conversation made a difference.

The Coalition has all but banished itself to the fringes, having belligerently ignored their constituents’ demands for action on climate, political integrity, women’s equality and respect for First Nations peoples. The Greens recorded its best-ever election result, and a slew of moderate independents has delivered the largest and most diverse crossbench we’ve ever seen. There are also more First Nations MPs and senators in parliament than ever before.

This election result is a major win for union members, who have been fighting tirelessly to protect workers’ rights from continuous attacks by the federal Coalition. For AEU members, it sees the back of a government that has shown nothing but contempt for public education and its dedicated workforce throughout its time in office.

 


We can’t create that positive change unless people like you put in the hard yards and bring others with you.

“We should be so proud that as a movement that we came together in union and removed the Liberals from power,” said ACTU secretary Sally McManus. “Under Labor, led by Prime Minster Anthony Albanese, workers will have a government that will take real action on wages, job security, cost of living and respect at work.”

AEU’s Justin Mullaly says the real work starts now. “We had a win on Saturday, but our job is to keep fighting. We will be working to ensure our new government makes the changes needed to give every Australian access to high-quality public education, and to ensure our members finally get the support and recognition they deserve.”

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