Similarly, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Victorian branch is in the midst of a significant leadership turnover. They’re preparing for a special election to fill the secretary position following Lisa Fitzpatrick’s recent resignation. Fitzpatrick’s departure on July 4 was precipitated by a member fight. This dispute is over a deeply unpopular term deal with disastrous impacts on the unions’ 111,000 Victorian members. The all-mail election is taking place from September 8 to October 6. It will be held only by postal ballot and three candidates are contesting the election for one $320,000 job.
Those vying for this key position are excellent. Madeleine Harradence, a recent addition to the staff, has just come on board as assistant secretary, and she is complemented by Jimmy Parel and Quinn McGuinness. Each candidate presents a distinct vision for the future of the union, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the membership.
The Candidates and Their Visions
Already inside the leadership structure as assistant secretary, Madeleine Harradence is now looking to expand her influence even more. Her campaign was probably helped by her longstanding relationships inside the organization and her experience reading its internal politics. Harradence’s vision will be critical in shaping the union’s stance on key issues that resonate with nursing professionals across Victoria.
Jimmy Parel is calling for a massive reorientation of the branch’s fiscal priorities. He suggested cutting the branch secretary wage of $320k down to $80k. This is a great move to help shift funds to better desired outcomes. Parel’s proposals would find a lot of support among union members who think that rich people steal from the pot. They argue that those funds would be better spent on direct support for nurses.
Quinn McGuinness has set forth an ambitious plan. He calls the union to action on reinstating their union member helpline to deliver 24/7 support and intervention to nurses in crisis. He’s criticized the union’s spending. Specifically, he is challenging the use of millions of dollars of taxpayer money to pay for special holiday housing for members. McGuinness’s candidacy isn’t only about her — it represents a realized demand for increased transparency and accountability from within the organization.
Historical Context of the Union Election
The upcoming ANMF Victorian branch election is poised to be an extraordinarily pivotal moment in that branch’s history. The last election held there was in 1989, when Belinda Morieson won. Since then, the story has continued to shift as the union’s structure and membership dynamics have undergone massive transformation. Fitzpatrick’s resignation highlights ongoing tensions over financial governance and member representation, issues that have persisted for decades within the organization.
Today’s special election is to fill the enormous leadership void Fitzpatrick created. It really puts the union’s capacity to the test in terms of knowing how to handle things internally and to know how to keep members’ trust. Its result will certainly steer the course of advocacy strategies and labor negotiations campaigns in the future.
Implications of Leadership Changes
The leadership transition also arrives at a moment when frontline nurses are raising their voices like never before. Parel’s advocating for reduced salaries in top positions. At the same time, McGuinness is focused on improving the value of member services. Collectively, both candidates mark a new focus on greater member engagement and financial accountability.
Parel’s attempt to establish a new organization called the United Nurses of Australia since 2021 suggests a broader movement among some members seeking alternatives to traditional union structures. This initiative underscores a growing desire among some nurses for reform within existing unions or potentially new avenues for representation.
As these candidates campaign, they will need to connect with a diverse membership base that has varying expectations of union leadership. The upcoming election results will determine who moves into this critical position. They will further inform how the ANMF engages with its members to address immediate and long-term challenges facing the health care workforce.
