The Board of Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is announcing that Kate Lee is stepping down as Executive Officer after 12 years of outstanding service and will finish in the role on February 28, 2026.
Acting Board Chair and ACTU President, Michele O’Neil said,
“Kate has led Union Aid Abroad with clarity of purpose, commitment and vision for delivering practical solidarity between Australian unions and workers worldwide. Kate has lead APEHDA in response to a pandemic, an increasing climate crisis and the most recent war in Gaza, putting our partner organisations at the centre of our response, continuing APHEDAs long tradition of locally-led development.”
Kate Lee said, “I am most proud of building a stronger base for reciprocal solidarity between Australia and the struggles of peoples in countries where we work. Australian unionists have responded to this shifting direction creatively, building new links and ties between them and their unions and civil society in the Indo Pacific region and in Palestine. Our flagship campaign Asbestos. Not here. Not Anywhere. has contributed to this approach, strengthening campaigning across borders and at national, regional and global levels. Our dedicated climate justice and just transition program kicked off in 2019 and is considered a leader in the region. This year, our new Partnerships for Decent Work program began, funded by the federal government, is collaborating with global unions and the ACTU to strengthen local trade unions in 10 countries in our region, many of which are facing increasing repression, yet steadily work towards improving outcomes for dignity, respect, gender equality and decent work.
It has been an honour to work with so many in Australia and internationally who every day pour their hearts and intellects into the struggle for justice and equality. You all inspire me. Thank you to all the APHEDA staff, activists and board members past and present, staff of our partner organisations internationally, Australian unions and the ACTU, colleagues across the global union movement, the Australian aid sector and government.”
Michele O’Neil said, “Kate leaves Union Aid Abroad as a strong and effective organisation, deeply engaged in our region and beyond, respected across Australian and global unions, and with continuing Australian government accreditation, confirming quality development standards. We thank her for her outstanding service and commitment.”
The board will shortly begin a public recruitment process.”