Story perspectives

Melissa Donnelly to Lead ACTU, Push Cost-of-Living Relief

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Melissa Donnelly, former CPSU leader, will become ACTU secretary on August 30, 2026.
She previously led the Community and Public Sector Union, growing membership 23% and securing 18 weeks paid parental leave, removing work-from-home caps and reversing outsourcing.
She said cost-of-living relief, a shorter work week and more leave are top priorities.
She will use ACTU influence to counter One Nation’s appeal to blue-collar workers and criticise politician Pauline Hanson’s cost-of-living attacks.

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Story summary

Melissa Donnelly, former CPSU leader, will become ACTU secretary on August 30, 2026.
She previously led the Community and Public Sector Union, growing membership 23% and securing 18 weeks paid parental leave, removing work-from-home caps and reversing outsourcing.
She said cost-of-living relief, a shorter work week and more leave are top priorities.
She will use ACTU influence to counter One Nation’s appeal to blue-collar workers and criticise politician Pauline Hanson’s cost-of-living attacks.