Jonathan Hallett steps down as WA Div Sec

Sanna Peden, UWA Branch President

Dr Jonathan Hallett took over from Gabe Gooding as the WA Division Secretary in 2018, having served as a WA Division/National Councillor and committee member for the Curtin University Branch.

During his tenure as Secretary, Jonathan steered the Division through a restructure, increased the Division’s social media profile and supported Branches in their struggles against an exciting range of management bastardry, such as the recent – successful! – campaigns against non-union ballots at Murdoch and Curtin universities.

Most importantly, Jonathan’s advice, enthusiasm and hands-on approach have led him to build the strength and activist capacity of the Division, laying the groundwork for organising, recruitment and campaigning on the ground in preparation for the next round of bargaining.

Following his two-year secondment, Jonathan will now return to his substantive position as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Public Health at Curtin University, focusing on health promotion, political theory and policy advocacy.

Jonathan has made a tremendous contribution to the work of the WA Division and his full-time presence will be sorely missed. Fortunately, Jonathan will continue his work as a union activist and advocate, continuing to represent NTEU at UnionsWA meetings and forging a productive partnership with the state and national union movement. Jonathan is also currently acting as the Assistant Division Secretary (Academic) to ensure a smooth transition for incoming Division Secretary Cathy Moore. ◆