ASU delegates advocating for Peace Now at the National Conference in Adelaide.
This year has been a powerful one for Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, as we doubled down on our mission to advance international solidarity within the Australian union movement. From union conferences to global justice advocacy, we’ve worked across Australia to keep solidarity with workers worldwide at the heart of our union movement.
This year, we’ve been privileged to participate in major union events, including the MUA National Conference, QNMU Delegates Conference, ACTU OHS Conference, SA Unions Organising Conference, and the PSA Women’s Conference, to name just a few.
Lachlan Batchelor, Lead Organiser at the ANMF Vic Branch Delegates Conference. Photo: Christopher Hopkins
A single day in November showcased the breadth of our efforts. International Organiser Catherine Middleton spoke at the AEU Federal Women’s Conference in Melbourne, discussing solidarity with workers on the Thai-Burma border. Meanwhile, Lead Organiser Lachlan Batchelor addressed the ASU National Conference in Adelaide, highlighting our advocacy and fundraising for Gaza.
The highlight of the year was the return of the ACTU Congress in Adelaide, the first in-person Congress since the pandemic. It marked our 40th anniversary and provided a platform to rally delegates around the theme of building union power and global justice. Over 100 unionists joined or upgraded their membership, strengthening our collective capacity to tackle future challenges.
In September, the ANMF Vic Branch invited co-founder Helene McCue and Lachlan Batchelor to their Delegates Conference. Addressing over 800 nurses and midwives, they emphasised the importance of global justice. It was especially meaningful at a conference that also celebrated a landmark agreement covering more than 60,000 Victorian healthcare workers.
Ramidi, National Secretary of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation KSPI, Liam O’Brian, ACTU Assistant Secretary, and Leo Yoga Pranata Director for Public Policy and Advocacy of LION- Indonesia at the ACTU Healthy Work Conference 2024.
Shared learnings strengthen solidarity
Sharing skills and knowledge has been a cornerstone of strengthening ties among unions in the region. To support Indonesian unions in advocating for a just energy transition, Dr Colin Long of the Victorian Trades Hall Council provided vital training on climate justice to members of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) and the Confederation of Indonesia Prosperity Trade Union (KSBSI).
Similarly, in support of our global campaign to ban asbestos, Sok-Kin, union leader of the Building and Wood Workers Trade Union Federation of Cambodia (BWTUC), undertook Working from Heights training in Melbourne, while Darisman from LION Indonesia participated in training in Perth with the support of Unions WA, consolidating a strong relationship of solidarity between them.
But it wasn’t just union events where we made an impact. At the Asbestos 2024 Conference hosted by ASEA, we brought together 12 representatives from Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and Australia, including government officials and partner organisations. The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water, joined them as a special speaker, underscoring the importance of global collaboration in tackling asbestos.
This whirlwind of activity reflects the growing momentum behind our work—and what a year to celebrate our 40th anniversary! A heartfelt thanks to every unionist who stood with us in 2024. Here’s to continuing the fight for global justice and solidarity in the years ahead!