Australian Workers’ Union state secretary Steve Baker announces retirement after four years

A woman is set to lead the Australian Workers’ Union in Queensland for the first time in its history, following the resignation of its state secretary Steve Baker.

A woman will lead the Australian Workers’ Union in Queensland for the first time in its history.

The union’s executive on Thursday voted for southern district secretary Stacey Schinnerl to replace state secretary Steve Baker when he retires next month.

Executive officer Mark Raguse was also appointed assistant state secretary.

Ms Schinnerl said she was honoured to take up the role.

“To be given the opportunity to lead this organisation after nearly 20 years of service is a dream come true and a great honour,” she said.

Ms Schinnerl, who has worked at the union for almost 20 years, will not only be the first female secretary for the AWU in Queensland – but for any AWU state branch in the country.

It’s also the first time the Queensland branch has had an all-female secretary and president team.

Stacey Schinnerl from the Australian Workers Union. Picture: Australian Workers' Union – Queensland Branch/Facebook

“In a gender sense, I represent a portion of our membership that has previously not been reflected in senior management levels in our organisation,” Ms Schinnerl said.

“I think that is a really important step in terms of the changing face of the modern AWU.”

Mr Baker, who has been in the role for more than four years, said there was no better person to lead the AWU in Queensland.

He said serving members had been the honour of a lifetime.

“I look forward to retiring with my lovely wife who is also retiring in the near future,” he said.

“I will miss the union dearly, and I’ll miss working with our members and our passionate officials – but time waits for no-one and eventually life has to move on.”

Outgoing Australian Workers Union secretary Steve Baker. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Mr Baker became the AWU Queensland vice president and southern district secretary in 2012 before being appointed as state secretary in 2018.

“Only by sticking together can working people get fairer, safer and more secure jobs,” he said on Thursday.

“As active members of their trade union, I have always believed that working people are stronger, together.”