President’s Opinion

A significant finding has been handed down by the Federal Court in regards to the eligibility of our Federal Secretary Steve Purvinas and Trustee Steve Re to stand for those positions in the 2010 ALAEA elections. This decision is significant for all future ALAEA officers and nominees.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) had rejected the eligibility of the nominees on the grounds they did not meet the Association’s rule that office bearers must hold qualifications as LAMEs. The AEC interpreted ‘holding qualifications’ as holding a current licence – however the Federal Court agreed with the ALAEA’s argument that that interpretation was too narrow.

The honourable Justice Moore concluded that the AEC’s interpretation of the relevant sub-rule was incorrect and that both nominees are suitably qualified and eligible to stand as nominees in the 2010 ALEAE elections.

Read the full decision at: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/FCA/2010/672.html

As with the election of all ALAEA federal executive positions, an election of all ALAEA workplace representatives needs to take place as of 1st July on every crew in every section or department. It is also a good time to elect appropriate OH&S representatives in your area.

For any assistance in these matters please contact your regional executive representative who will oversee the process.

In December 2010 the ALAEA federal conference will take place in Sydney. Expression of interest forms will be sent out shortly for all ALAEA members to apply for a delegate’s position to the federal conference. 

Please take the time to consider if you wish to attend and if not, encourage someone from your work area or company to do so. The federal conference is the place where the direction of the ALAEA is discussed, debated and decided for the next four-year term. It is an opportunity for all delegates to have a say in the future of our association and I encourage all to apply.

Keep safe,

Paul Cousins, President