Supporting the Legacy of McManus and O'Neil: A Necessary Transition to Empower New Leadership

The resignations of Sally McManus and Michele O'Neil are a strategic and welcome move that allows the ACTU to refresh its leadership at a critical time. Under their guidance, the union movement faced unprecedented challenges from the pandemic, government economic interventions, and a hostile business environment. They secured important wins, including stronger protections for casual workers and a national focus on wage theft. The decision to step aside now, rather than hold on, shows a focus on institutional health over personal ambition. By making way for a younger generation—likely to include voices from the AWU and other large unions—the ACTU can adapt to changing demographics and the rise of gig work. Prime Minister Albanese’s public praise reflects their effective partnership with the Labor government on industrial relations reforms. This orderly transition avoids the acrimony of past leadership battles and sets the union up to remain a powerful force in Australian politics and workplace advocacy.