Ten of the most powerful union bosses in Victoria

The union movement is always toiling away in the background in the fight for workers’ rights. Here are 10 of the most powerful union leaders in Victoria.

These are some of the most powerful union bosses in Victoria.

The union movement is always toiling away in the background in the fight for workers’ rights.

They come from a broad spectrum of sectors and unions, but they all have one thing in common – a belief in working Australians and a relentless pursuit of fair conditions.

Here are 10 of the most powerful union bosses in Victoria.

JOHN SETKA

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union

CFMEU Victorian secretary John Setka. Picture: Kelly Barnes

One of Victoria’s most controversial union bosses, John Setka heads the CFMEU.

Mr Setka began working as a labourer at the age of 19, following in his father’s footsteps who survived the West Gate Bridge collapse in 1970 which tragically killed 35 workers.

Sekta is facing allegations of abuse against his estranged wife Emma Walters.

Mr Setka has denied the abuse allegations.

BEN DAVIS

The Australian Workers Union

Ben Davis secretary of the Victorian branch of the Australian Workers Union talks to the media. Picture: Supplied

Ben Davis has fronted AWU’s Victorian branch since 2013.

When he was 22 years old, Mr Davis was recruited to the AWU as part of the ACTU’s Organising Works program.

Born in Melbourne, he has a strong belief in the trade union movement.

DIANA ASMAR

Health Workers Union

Health Service Union secretary Diana Asmar departs after giving evidence at The Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption in Sydney. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

A passionate defender of worker’s rights, Diana Asmar has been a member of the union since 1998.

During her time working at Northern Hospital, she first became an active unionist by standing up to her direct employer.

She has been recognised for her work in the community by receiving the Australian Fundraising Institute Volunteer of the Year Award in 2007.

Ms Asmar was elected to the position of Health Workers Union secretary in December 2012, and was re-elected to the same position in 2014 with more than 93 per cent of the vote.

DANNY HILL

Victorian Ambulance Union

General secretary of Victorian Ambulance Union Danny Hill. Picture: Supplied

Danny Hill has been the general secretary of the union since 2019.

He has fronted many campaigns including advocating for pay rises and the need for the number of triple-zero call takers to be doubled.

Mr Hill is a qualified paramedic and studied at Victoria University.

MEREDITH PEACE

Australian Education Union

AEU Victoria president Meredith Peace. Picture: Supplied

Meredith Peace is one of the key voices fighting for the rights of teachers, principals and education support staff.

The Victorian branch president joined the union as a student, having a strong passion for public education and equity.

She has fought for bigger pay rises and lighter workloads.

LISA FITZPATRICK

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Victorian Branch

Lisa Fitzpatrick, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Victorian Branch secretary at a press conference at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The registered nurse held various positions over her nursing career in the public and private sectors before becoming the state secretary.

Lisa Fitzpatrick was elected in 2001 and during her time as secretary, membership of the Victorian Branch has grown from 32,000 to 68,800.

She has been vocal on discussions surrounding the Covid pandemic and state lockdowns.

LUBA GRIGOROVITCH

Rail, Train and Bus Union

Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary Luba Grigorovitch. Picture: Alex Coppel.

At just 28, Luba Grigorovitch was the youngest person and first woman to become the Victorian secretary in 2014.

Last year she was also appointed the national president of the organisation which has just over 31,000 members.

The trailblazer has been described as one of the union’s most “hardened generals” where she always holds others to account.

PETER MARSHALL

United Firefighters Union

Peter Marshall, UFU Victoria secretary speaks outside a Senate Inquiry at Parliament House, Melbourne. Picture: Mark Stewart

Militant firefighter union boss Peter Marshall was re-elected as secretary of the powerful body for another three years in 2021.

He became a firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and remains Australia’s best-paid union boss, with The Australian reporting in 2021 his salary was $470,280 in that financial year.

Mr Marshall had previously come under fire for his failed bid before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for an extra $1m in super­annuation and allegations of bullying.

WAYNE GATT

The Police Association Victoria

Victoria Police Association boss Wayne Gatt speaking to media. Picture: David Crosling

The boss of Victoria’s police union took over from former homicide detective Ron Iddles in February 2017.

Mr Gatt performed various policing roles across Melbourne and country Victoria since he joined the force in 1995.

He served in the Dog Squad, Mounted Branch and performed secondments at the Drug Squad, Water Police and investigation task forces.

He is a trained police negotiator — twice gaining Victoria Police commendations for actions during critical incidents.

Mr Gatt spoke on the loss of his four colleagues who were killed in the Eastern Freeway crash in April 2020.

MIKE MCNESS

Transport Workers Union

TWU Victoria/Tasmania Branch secretary Mike McNess. Picture: James Ross

Mike McNess was appointed TWU Victoria/Tasmania branch secretary at the end of 2021.

He joined the TWU as an organiser in 1995 after working in the transport industry.

During the collapse of the airline industry in the peak of Covid, he put together a temporary jobs transition program that led to displaced members being transitioned into meaningful transport-related jobs.

He also delivered thousands of airline staff work in the hotel quarantine program.