Full Breakdown
Melissa Donnelly Takes Helm of Australia’s Peak Union Body
8/10/2026, 9:27:05 PM
Leadership Transition
On August 30 (scheduled), Melissa Donnelly, 44, will succeed Sally McManus as national secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). The change follows the simultaneous resignation of ACTU president Michele O’Neil, ending an eight-year all-female leadership team. Donnelly was elected by the ACTU executive after serving seven years as secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU).
Background & Context
The ACTU, representing Australia’s peak union movement, has enjoyed heightened political influence under the Albanese Labor government, securing reforms such as “Same Job Same Pay” and the “Right to Disconnect.” Outgoing secretary McManus had overseen the first membership increase since 2011, though overall union density has been in decline since 1992. Donnelly’s career began as a private-practice lawyer before joining the CPSU, where she led a federal court case that enabled public servants to join the “Your Rights at Work” campaign against the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation.
Data & Statistics
- CPSU membership grew 23 % during Donnelly’s tenure.
- Union members are now on average 44 years old, with less than 4 % aged 15-19 and about 7 % aged 20-24.
- The ACTU’s recent victories include the reversal of government outsourcing to private consultancy firms and the extension of 18 weeks of paid parental leave for both parents.
Official Statements & Responses
Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher congratulated Donnelly, noting that the two had worked “closely together” to rebuild the public service and strengthen its capacity.
McManus highlighted Donnelly’s personal experience as a working mother, saying it aligns with the average union member’s profile and signals a generational shift.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Melissa has been a tireless advocate for public servants,” — Katy Gallagher
- “I know she’ll bring that same determination and experience to standing up for workers across Australia.” — Sally McManus, under outgoing secretary
What's Next
The ACTU will formalise Donnelly’s appointment on August 30, after which she will lead the organization’s strategy on reduced working weeks, expanded leave entitlements, and the union’s response to AI-driven labour market changes. The transition also sets the stage for a later announcement of a new ACTU president to replace Michele O’Neil before the end of 2026.
