The event was held on Sept 1st & 2nd at the Gold Coast Exhibition & Convention Centre provided practical tools, workshops, campaign lessons, and networking opportunities for union representatives from across Australia.

Pictured: Greg Wellington USU, Julie Perkins ASU, Jo Kerr CPSU, Wayne Kurnorth UWU, Lara Watson ACTU, Frank Gaffa and front row Keith Wicks NSWNMA

The main points are:

  • The ACTU Conference focused on building union power, organising workers, and turning recent industrial relations reforms into practical workplace gains.
  • The conference together union organisers, campaigners, communications staff, WHS representatives, industrial officers, and member-service staff to share strategies and skills
  • Key themes included:
    • Building and sustaining momentum in workplace campaigns.
    • Growing union membership and participation.
    • Developing confident workplace delegates and leaders.
    • Embedding new worker rights won through legislative reforms.

Momentum 2026 ACTU Organising Conference 2026 focused on :

1. Stronger workplace organising

Unions  representatives gained improved organising strategies that helped to build worker participation, develop workplace leaders, and strengthen delegate structures.

2. Better use of new industrial relations laws

A key objective was to assist union , movement translate recent workplace law reforms into real benefits for workers, ensuring new rights are understood, exercised, and embedded in workplaces.

3. Increased union membership and engagement

The conference emphasized campaigns that attract more workers to join unions and become active participants rather than passive members.

4. Development of workplace leaders

Delegates, organisers, and activists attended workshops and presentations which gained practical skills and confidence to take leadership roles in campaigns, bargaining, and workplace issues.

5. Stronger campaign capability

Participants were shown how to run from successful union campaigns and apply proven tactics to future organising, bargaining, and advocacy efforts. The conference emphasised the importance of strengthen collaboration between unions, fostering shared learning, networking, and coordinated action on worker issues across industries.

For my role as the United Services Union Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Engagement Officer, the conference provided opportunities to:

  • Increase First Nations worker representation in union structures.
  • Build culturally safe delegate and leadership pathways.
  • Embed Closing the Gap and Indigenous employment priorities into workplace campaigns.
  • Strengthen partnerships between unions and Aboriginal community organisations.
  • Ensure new workplace rights benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, particularly in regional, public sector, health, education, and community service sector.

Summary of the ACTU Momentum Organising Conference:

  • Building Momentum for Change
    The conference theme centred on turning recent industrial relations reforms into practical workplace outcomes and long-term gains for workers.
  • Growing Union Strength
    Delegates and organisers are encouraged to develop strategies that increase worker participation, union membership, and workplace activism.
  • Leadership Development
    A key objective is building confident workplace delegates, organisers, and campaign leaders who can advocate effectively for workers.
  • Campaigning and Organising Skills
    The conference provides practical workshops and opportunities to learn from successful union campaigns across different industries.
  • Collaboration Across the Union Movement
    Participants share experiences, resources, and organising strategies to strengthen collective action nationally.

Blak-Led Organising : Culture, Kinship, and the NES

At the conference I had the opportunity to co-present with my fellow First Nations Comrades.

  • Julie Perkins ASU,
  • Frank Gafa & Shannon Bourke AEU,
  • Wayne Kurnorth UWU,
  • Keith Wicks NSWNMA,
  • Lara Watson ACTU,
  • Jo Kerr CPSU.

The breakout huddles/presentations focused on Indigenous led organising, recruitment strategies that are culturally safe and appropriate.

The Conference also provided an opportunity the contribution of the First Nations Workers Alliance (FNWA), including promotion of:

  • FNWA Bargaining Guides,
  • First Nations leadership pathways,
  • First Nations Union Women’s Leadership Program initiatives, and
  • Increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in workplace organising and union leadership

The conference also highlighted the growing influence of First Nations union members and the need to continue building culturally safe pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers into workplace leadership, organising, and bargaining roles.