PM praises Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil as ‘giants’ as they resign from ACTU

The Guardian World Monday 27 July 2026, 23:13 UTC By Dan Jervis-Bardy Chief political correspondent and Nick Visser 1 min read

Key Points

Secretary and president of Australian Council of Trade Unions announced surprise departures on Monday eveningThe leadership of the trade union movement is set for a major shakeup after the secretary and president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions announced their surprise departures. The ACTU’s secretary, Sally McManus, and its president, Michele O’Neil, revealed on Monday night they would be stepping down after eight years together. Anthony Albanese described both as personal friends...

Secretary and president of Australian Council of Trade Unions announced surprise departures on Monday evening

The leadership of the trade union movement is set for a major shakeup after the secretary and president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions announced their surprise departures.

The ACTU’s secretary, Sally McManus, and its president, Michele O’Neil, revealed on Monday night they would be stepping down after eight years together. Anthony Albanese described both as personal friends and “giants of the labour movement”.

Sally McManus (PERSON) Michele O’Neil (PERSON) ACTU (ORG) Australian Council of Trade Unions (ORG) the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ORG) Anthony Albanese (PERSON) the labour movement (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian World Read original →

PM praises Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil as ‘giants’ as they resign from ACTU

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