RECENT events concerning allegations of impropriety on
the part of several high-profile trade union officials (including
two who received custodial sentences) has put the issue of union
governance and accountability under the spotlight. Like it or not
there are likely to be further adverse findings made by the Royal
Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.
Most proactive union officials recognise that reality and
understand that it is more important than ever to make sure their
structures and processes of accountability are not just adequate
— they must be best practice to rebuild the confidence of
members and the public in these vital institutions.
I have long held the view that those who support organised
labour have the greatest obligation to ensure that trade unions are
properly administered and, above all else, focus on advancing the
interests of their members.
