United Voice News
"I deeply respect what you do" PM tells LHMU Delegates
LHMU members were joined by the Prime Minister and Treasurer at the 2010 LHMU Queensland Delegates Convention in Brisbane.
Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan made time in the hectic post-Budget week to come to the Convention and to meet met with six Delegates: Heather Jackson and Kerri Anderson (aged care); Nicola Pendlebury and Tania Lymburner (childcare); and Des Harman and Ruth Jeffkins (health). The Delegates talked with the nation’s leaders about their lives, their practical concerns about their work and the reforms needed in their industries.
This was a valuable opportunity for LHMU Delegates to talk honestly and openly with our nation’s leaders about issues that matter to members over a quiet cup of tea, in a private meeting away from the public gaze.
After this meeting the Prime Minister addressed the whole Convention. The 350 Delegates gave him a warm reception, including an animated and noisy standing ovation.
Kevin Rudd spoke of his personal experiences in an LHMU industry when he worked as a cleaner in Canberra. He told the Delegates of LHMU’s essential but too often undervalued industries “I can say to each and every one of you, as working people of Australia, how much I respect what you do, how much I deeply respect what you do.”
Kevin Rudd briefed Delegates on the Budget and answered their questions. He gave significant commitments to Delegates, including:
• Increased training and qualifications for child care professionals,
• The right to tripartite bargaining with employers and government to address recruitment and retention in aged care, and
• Job security for health professionals throughout the National Health Reform process.
The Prime Minister’s and Treasurers’ participation was a highlight for Delegates at the Convention, not least because the conversations that took place on and off the Convention stage.
