Private hospital nurses begin industrial action
Hundreds of members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association working for Healthe Care, including on the Central Coast, say they will take part in a series of escalating industrial action.
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Terrifying death threat left on windscreen of Victorian Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke’s car
A bullet engraved with the word 'rat' and the ID number of Victorian Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke was left on his car windscreen in Frankston. Edbrooke alleges the threat was planted by aggrieved union members, days after an MP was critically injured in an alleged ramming attack. Union secretary Peter Marshall condemned the threat and pledged cooperation with police, while Premier Ben Carroll and Opposition Leader Jess Wilson both condemned the incident.
'Lost control': MP calls out union over bullet threat
Victorian Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke says he found an engraved bullet on the bonnet of his family car after a Melbourne engagement on Saturday. The bullet bore his firefighter ID number and the word RAT. Edbrooke alleges it was planted by aggrieved union members, a claim the United Firefighter's Union condemned. Victoria Police are investigating the incident, which was reported on Sunday. Union secretary Peter Marshall said the threat did not speak for firefighters and that the union would co-operate fully with police.
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Get the app‘Someone has been following me’: safety fears after bullet inscribed with ‘RAT’ left on Victorian minister’s car
Victoria's emergency services minister, Paul Edbrooke, says he believes he is being followed after finding a bullet on his car bonnet following a community event in his Frankston electorate. The bullet was engraved with the word "RAT" and his former firefighter identification number, which he says few people would know. Edbrooke said the discovery was frightening, particularly because his children, who are young adults, also use the vehicle. He said the only people sending him aggressive threats and abuse online were members of the United Firefighters Union, which is in a dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria.
Community workers rally in Penrith for fairer pay
Over 300 Australian Services Union members rallied in Penrith to mark the lodging of a work value claim with the Fair Work Commission. The union wants pay for frontline community workers at charities and not-for-profits reviewed, saying wages have not been reviewed for 15 years. ASU NSW and ACT Secretary Angus McFarland called on the state government to fund any wage increases. The union says one in four community sector workers is looking to quit within a year. Family Support Worker Emma Nicholson said her work has grown more complex while her pay has not kept pace.
Former union leader heads Socialist Alliance election ticket
Socialist Alliance has named three candidates for the Western Victoria upper house region at the November state election. Former Geelong Trades Hall secretary Tim Gooden will lead the ticket, joined by Sue Bull and Ross Smith, who both have union backgrounds. The party is making public housing its main campaign issue, and is also seeking a moratorium on data centres over concerns about water and electricity use. Gooden said housing insecurity is a major concern across the Geelong region. All five Western Victoria upper house seats will be contested on Saturday 28 November.
Flinders University admits to $965k underpayment of casual staff
Flinders University has acknowledged underpaying 1,405 casual staff by $965,827 over five years, averaging $687 per person. The university attributed the issue to a failure to apply a three-hour minimum engagement clause for some staff. Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling apologised and confirmed affected employees would be reimbursed with interest and superannuation. The National Tertiary Education Union described the underpayments as a 'massive breach of trust', particularly impacting low-paid, predominantly female staff. The university disputes this characterisation but accepts responsibility for the error.
Threats alleged in fake union mediator extortion plot
A construction executive has told a committal hearing that he and his family were threatened in a multi-million-dollar extortion plot. He said Amir Teymoori, 46, made the threats at a Melbourne cafe meeting. Teymoori and three other men are charged over an alleged $6.6 million extortion of a construction company in October 2025. The men allegedly posed as mediators between the company and union officials, then sent an invoice for $6.6 million. Teymoori's lawyer suggested the threats were aimed at arranging a meeting with the boss, but the witness said there was no ambiguity. The hearing continues on Wednesday.
APSC offers public servants 9 per cent pay rise over three years
Commonwealth public servants have been offered a 9 per cent pay rise over three years. The Australian Public Service Commission tabled the proposal as part of bargaining across the public service. The offer includes a 3.2 per cent rise from next March, then 3 per cent in 2028 and 2.8 per cent in 2029. The Community and Public Sector Union says the offer falls short of its claim of 5 per cent a year or inflation, whichever is higher. Union members will vote on whether to accept the offer, and bargaining is continuing.
ABC reporter could face disciplinary action over opinion piece, journalists’ union says
ABC management has refused to rule out disciplinary action against journalist Michael Slezak for writing an opinion piece in the Australian Financial Review. The piece concerned a proposal by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to restrict journalists' access to company directors' home addresses and dates of birth. The union says Slezak was targeted for defending press freedom and that he did not need approval under his ABC agreement. The union has called on ABC managing director Hugh Marks to confirm no action will be taken, and union members will meet to discuss a response.
Ex-CFMEU training head fined for fraudulent invoices
Former CFMEU training manager Steven Frederick Deer, 63, has been fined $2250 in Melbourne Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to obtaining property by deception. Deer sent seven invoices under the union's letterhead without permission, using fictitious account names that included his personal bank details. The invoices were sent to labour hire companies in return for logo displays on a union car. Around $10,000 was paid into the account. Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano described the conduct as a breach of trust, saying it involved calculation and was not a one-off.
Protecting workplace wellbeing
The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA has secured a grant to develop a mental health program for public sector workplaces. The initiative will engage with up to ten government agencies to identify and manage psychosocial hazards. Union branch secretary Melanie Bray said the program aims to improve staff retention, reduce workers' compensation costs, and enhance public service delivery in Western Australia.
Inquiry hears delegate felt he 'brought danger' to his family after CFMEU comments
A union organiser told a Queensland inquiry that a CFMEU member allegedly made threatening comments about his young family during a confrontation near a Brisbane work site. James Downie said the comments came during a campaign of harassment by the CFMEU against rival union members. He claimed the CFMEU members knew personal details about his sons, including their names and schools. The inquiry also heard about other hostile interactions between the unions, including physical blockades.
Tribunal finds ACT Government’s conduct ‘of concern’ in case of allegedly bullied firie
An ACT firefighter alleged bullying and harassment by the United Firefighters Union and claimed the ACT Government failed to follow proper dispute resolution processes. The Fair Work Commission found the firefighter likely faced discrimination and adverse action but ruled the tribunal lacked jurisdiction due to legal technicalities. The firefighter must now seek compensation through the court system. The government's conduct was described as concerning, with the firefighter claiming his workplace became unsafe due to union pressure and employer actions. The firefighter also accused the government of concealing information and misrepresenting his rights.