National Secretary case

Back in June Brian Jardine, the PSA's Assistant General Secretary, convincingly won the ballot for National Secretary of our federal union, the Community & Public Sector Union (SPSF Group).

David Bunn, the defeated incumbent, challenged the result in the Federal Industrial Relations Court. He challenged the right of all members in New South Wales and Queensland to be part of the ballot. He says the members are unfinancial because he alleges these two branches have not paid the right fees.

If Bunn is successful, over half the members of CPSU (SPSF Group) will be disenfranchised.

The case was heard in Brisbane last week (9 - 12 December).

The judge said he would hand down his decision in the new year.

As well as the Bunn challenge against Jardine, the Judge is also considering the status of a Queensland rule which binds its federal councillors. This case arose because two Queenslanders voted for fees increases proposed by Bunn. The Queenslanders had bound their delegates to vote against the fee increase. New South Wales delegates also voted against.

If the Queensland rule is found to be valid, then the judge could overturn the rule concerning the fee increase.