2001 AEU Federal Women's Conference

The 2001 AEU Federal Women's Conference was held on Saturday and Sunday, 6 and 7 October, 2001 in Melbourne.

The theme for the Federal Conference was "A union built for and by women". It sought to build upon the ACTU's Unions@Work document to write a Women@Unions blueprint. Focus was given to hearing the success stories of women unionists organising at the workplace level.

The keynote speaker for the Federal Conference was Dr. Barbara Pocock. Barbara is the Director of the Centre of Labour Research at Adelaide University and brought to the Federal Conference a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Joyce Marshall, a former Women's Officer of the AEU and a life member of the AEU delivered the opening speech at the Conference. Her speech provided a context for the Conference giving a potted history of women in the AEU. Click here for a copy of her speech

The workshops were based upon developing feminist action plans in the following areas:

• Strength in the workplace, facilitated by Leslie Adams from the ACTU Organising Centre.
• Growth in new areas, facilitated by Sally McManus, ASU Organiser.
• Communication for our times, facilitated by Darcel Moyle (AEU Federal Aboriginal Officer) & Linda Gale (AEU Federal Industrial Officer).
• A strong union voice, facilitated by Janet Giles (AEU Deputy President).