After close to 14 years without a contested union election, members have chosen a new direction for their union.

Members have won.

Staff have won.

Our community has won.

Because…

VAHPA PULSE HAS WON.

With what can only be described as a massive return of more than 1,800 ballots, our scrutineer has confirmed that preliminary results indicate that close to two-thirds of above-the-line votes have gone to Pulse.

After including below-the-line votes, the count is equally clear, with every Pulse candidate receiving almost twice the votes of the other candidates.

We now wait for the AEC to provide the official results, and once that occurs VAHPA Pulse will become the new Leadership of our union.

Thank you.

To every member who voted, volunteered, put up a poster, shared a post, spoke to a colleague or simply encouraged someone to participate: thank you.

This result belongs to you.

To those who supported us, thank you for your trust.

To those who didn’t, we hear you too. We will represent every VAHPA member, regardless of how you voted.

Members have democratically chosen a new direction for VAHPA: a future built on transparency, accountability, member participation and, above all, a strong Allied Health voice.

This union exists to serve its members, not the other way around.

The team that stood together to stop the proposed merger will now take office, with a clear responsibility to hand VAHPA back to its members, its staff and the communities we serve.

This election has been a significant moment in VAHPA’s history.

We respect everyone who put themselves forward and everyone who participated in the process.

We also acknowledge the contributions of current and past Branch Committee of Management members who have given their time and energy to VAHPA over many years. We inherit an organisation with a proud history, and significant work ahead.

There is a lot to repair.

Low wages. Unsafe workloads. Limited career progression. Attraction and retention challenges. Burnout. Under-resourcing.

The list goes on.

We know these challenges because we are not distant from them. We are delegates, members, workplace leaders and Allied Health Professionals ourselves.

We experience the same pressures our members experience.

Our commitment is simple:

VAHPA must be a union where members have a genuine voice and an active role in shaping what comes next.

That means building stronger representative structures, creating better communication channels and making sure members have regular opportunities to tell us what matters to them… not just during an election, but every day.

There is a long road ahead, and we don’t underestimate the work required.

But today, members can rest assured of one thing:

You were heard.

You have a voice.

And VAHPA is back in the hands of its members.

The election is over.

Now, the real work begins.

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Make no mistake: 36.18% matters.

We will not accept anything less. But our members have told us that Allied Health needs more than a pay rise.

We need pay, time and recognition.

Recently, we asked members what mattered most to them. Three themes came through clearly:

Pay. Time. Recognition.

And workload sits at the centre of all three.

Less pay makes it harder to attract and retain staff, increasing pressure on those who remain. Less protected time means more of our working day is consumed by clinical caseloads, leaving less time for education, supervision, professional development and service improvement. And restrictive classification structures can leave experienced Allied Health professionals with limited opportunities for progression and recognition.

We’ve seen this before

Nurses have fought for and won enforceable workload protections, including minimum staffing ratios and mandatory backfill arrangements for leave. Their conditions recognise that staff shortages should not simply become an increased workload for those who remain.

Allied Health has no equivalent system-wide protection. The precedent already exists in the Victorian public sector, now it’s time Allied Health had it too.

We think it’s time that changed.

Because Allied Health workload isn’t just the time spent with a patient.

It’s the assessment, documentation, handover, education, supervision, meetings, quality improvement, research, professional development, service planning and countless other activities that make a safe and effective health service possible.

So what are we asking for?

We are asking for a new Workload Management clause in the Agreement, supported by a detailed workload framework.

In simple terms, we’re asking for a 60/40 workload model:

•⁠ ⁠Up to 60% of working time for Direct Commitments; including our four classifications of clinical, education, management and research work.

•⁠ ⁠At least 40% for Organisational and Practitioner Development; including education, training, meetings, professional development, quality improvement, research and rest breaks.

•⁠ ⁠Additional development time for graduates and staff in training while they build their skills.

•⁠ ⁠Where Direct Commitments exceed 60%, the employer must adjust the workload rather than simply expecting staff to work harder, work unpaid overtime or use overtime to fill workforce gaps.

Why 60/40?

Because 100% utilisation isn’t sustainable.

And 40% doesn’t mean 40% of our time off.

It means 40% of our work needs to be recognised as work.

We cannot continue pretending that education, supervision, professional development, quality improvement, research, meetings and service development somehow happen for free, around an already full clinical workload.

This model also isn’t without precedent. A 60/40 workload framework already exists in parts of the Victorian public mental health system, demonstrating that workload can be formally recognised and managed rather than left to individual staff to absorb.

This is about more than workload

It’s about building a health system where Allied Health professionals can do their jobs properly.

Where education isn’t squeezed between patients.

Where supervision isn’t something you do after hours.

Where professional development isn’t cancelled because the waiting list is too long.

Where graduates have time to learn.

Where experienced clinicians have time to lead.

And where employers are responsible for managing workloads, not individual Allied Health professionals carrying the system on their backs.

We are asking for more than a bigger pay packet.

We’re asking for the time and recognition to do the work properly.

We’ve carried the system for long enough. It’s time to stop working Allied Health to the bone.

Pay. Time. Recognition.

That’s what Allied Health Professionals deserve.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for How to vote Pulse

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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One of the questions we were recently asked during a webinar was:

How will VAHPA Pulse measure success?

It’s an important question, but before we can answer it, we need to think about what success actually means.

Many organisations measure success through numbers alone. Membership growth, revenue, participation rates, election results, bargaining outcomes. These indicators all tell us something valuable, and we would absolutely pay attention to them.

But numbers can only tell part of the story.

For us, success is about whether our union is creating positive outcomes for the people it exists to serve. That means looking at success through three lenses: success for members, success for staff, and success for our broader community.

Success for Members

The most important measure of success will always be whether members feel supported, represented and empowered.

Of course, we want to see strong industrial outcomes, effective advocacy and professional recognition for allied health professionals. Those things matter.

But success is also about engagement.

Do members feel connected to their union? Do they feel informed about the issues that affect them? Do they believe their voice matters? Are they willing to participate in shaping the future of the organisation?

This is why we see democratic participation as a sign of a healthy union. When members put their hand up to run for the Committee of Management, join working groups, contribute to discussions or even form an alternative ticket, that isn’t (always) a sign that something is broken. It’s a sign that people care enough to get involved.

A disengaged membership is not a healthy membership. An engaged membership is one that believes its voice can make a difference.

Success for Staff

A successful union should also be a great place to work.

The staff who support members every day are one of the union’s greatest strengths. If we want them to do their best work, we need to ensure they have an environment where they can thrive.

That means looking beyond productivity metrics and considering measures such as staff retention, wellbeing, professional growth and workplace culture.

Do people feel respected and valued? Do they have opportunities to develop? Do they experience purpose and even joy in the work they do?

A union that advocates for fair and respectful workplaces should strive to embody those values itself.

Success for Our Community

The third measure of success extends beyond our members and staff.

Allied health professionals make an enormous contribution to Victorian communities every day, yet too often that contribution is poorly understood.

We want to see broader recognition of the value of allied health. We want employers, policymakers and the public to better understand the impact our professions have on health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Success means building a stronger voice for allied health and increasing the visibility and influence of the professions we represent.

Measuring What Matters

Because success is multidimensional, we need multiple ways of measuring it.

That’s why we support regular member “pulse checks” (see what I did there?) and the establishment of member reference groups. These mechanisms will help us understand not just what outcomes are being achieved, but how people are feeling. They will give us regular opportunities to listen, learn and adjust.

After all, success isn’t something you measure once every few years. It’s something you check regularly by staying connected to the people you serve.

In many ways, those of us on the VAHPA Pulse ticket already feel we’ve achieved a measure of success.

We’ve started conversations about what good leadership looks like. We’ve encouraged members to think about what they need from their union and what kind of future they want for it. Most importantly, we’ve seen more people asking questions, sharing ideas and engaging with the governance of their union.

Whatever the outcome of the election, that’s something worth celebrating.

Because when members are engaged, involved and invested in their union’s future, the union is already stronger.

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• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for How to vote Pulse

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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11 months.

36 bargaining meetings.

2 × 24-hour strikes.

And still no serious offer that members can vote on.

At this week’s strike, some of you couldn’t be there. Exemptions meant there was no way.

We hear you. We see you. Whether you were on the picket line, at a rally, at work under an exemption, or supporting from home… we stand with you.

Because there is no way that no offer is acceptable.

But here’s something important.

Our efforts are working.

And after 11 months, perhaps we need to stop for a moment and recognise just how much we’ve achieved.

A marathon is exhausting. Sometimes you need to stop, take a breath and have a little sugar hit.

So here it is.

Look what we’ve done together:

• Membership growth +++ now over 8,000 members.

• The first ever allied health strike by many members.

• Major metropolitan hospitals finally communicating with staff about respecting protected industrial action, acknowledging our rights and our power.

• Stronger connections between professions and between members than we’ve seen in years.

• A Government acknowledgement that wage increases may need to reach as high as 50%.

Suddenly, 36.18% doesn’t look so unreasonable.

We’ve shown we can organise, mobilise and build power without needing to become someone else (ie HACSU).

Members have carried this campaign with extraordinary energy, often with limited support from an under-resourced public sector organising team.

We’ve helped create political pressure during a period that has seen a new Premier and two new Health Ministers.

We’ve successfully used member-created posters, signs, window writing and campaign guidance to take our message directly into our communities.

We’ve found ways to make an impact despite extensive exemptions and exclusions… showing that our commitment to patient care doesn’t disappear when we take industrial action.

And by striking, we’ve demonstrated just how much allied health contributes to the Victorian public health system.

The value of that work?

So significant we’re still calculating the number.

And then there’s perhaps the simplest measure of all.

People now know who allied health are.

If you’ve stopped to read the writing on a hospital window, you’ve seen us.

We’ve heard countless stories of patients stopping to talk to us, joining our campaign and telling us they support what we’re doing.

We’ve seen other healthcare professionals stand beside us.

The list goes on.

And that’s why we shouldn’t mistake exhaustion for failure.

We are tired because we’ve been fighting.

But we’re also stronger because we’ve been fighting.

There is power in being an allied health professional.

Power in being a radiographer, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, social worker, dietitian, pharmacist, psychologist, medical scientist and every other profession that makes up allied health.

And there has never been a more consequential time to be one.

A pandemic changed healthcare.

Inflation has changed what our wages are worth.

Supply chain pressures have exposed vulnerabilities in our health system.

The Fair Work Commission’s gender undervaluation decision has challenged how we value care work.

AI is forcing us to think about what human expertise is worth.

The cost of living is putting pressure on every household.

Political upheaval is reshaping our public services.

And through all of it, allied health has kept showing up.

We have a lot to offer.

We always have.

The difference now is that we are beginning to understand our power.

So yes, 11 months is exhausting.

Yes, 36 bargaining meetings is exhausting.

Yes, two 24-hour strikes are exhausting.

And yes, no real offer is unacceptable.

But look around.

Look at what we’ve already achieved.

This is not the time to lose faith in our collective power.

It is time to believe in it even more.

We know what we are worth.

We know what we have to offer.

And together, we will find a way to win.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for How to vote Pulse

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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This is not just another enterprise agreement.

It is one of the most significant opportunities in a generation to:

restore the value of allied health care.

Everything has led us to this moment:

• the Fair Work Commission’s gender undervaluation decision

• the 28% nursing wage increase

• rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures

• wage increases of up to 33% for paramedics

• and an upcoming state election.

This is our opportunity. But it will only happen if members stand together.

Be ready. Be prepared. Be aware.

Any offer must be judged against what is needed to restore our wages; not simply by whether it sounds like a large percentage or compares favourably with another profession.

Last time, members were told that 2% was a “good deal.”

We know where that left us.

This time, we may again be told that we should accept less than what is needed because it compares favourably with another profession.

But if we are serious about restoring our wages and putting allied health back on a trajectory alongside nursing, our claim is clear:

36.18%. Not a percent less.

And it needs to be delivered within the timeframe we have claimed.

Our claim

•⁠ ⁠18.5% backdated to 1 March 2026

•⁠ ⁠5% on 1 March 2027

•⁠ ⁠5% on 1 March 2028

•⁠ ⁠7.68% on 27 November 2028

Accepting a smaller increase over a longer period (particularly without back pay) would delay the recovery of our wages for years while inflation continues to erode our purchasing power.

Look at what has already happened:

Since 2021, our wages have increased by only 8.24% cumulatively through the previous EA increases, while prices have risen by approximately 23.45%.

That represents a substantial loss in purchasing power.

After a global pandemic, allied health professionals should be more valued, not less.

We are asking to begin restoring the purchasing power we had in the 2010s… not signing up for another decade of going backwards.

So what does 36.18% actually mean?

It isn’t about getting ahead.

It is about catching up.

The 18.5% backdated component is critical because it begins addressing the purchasing power members have already lost.

And this is important:

The claim is not simply about gender undervaluation.

The Fair Work Commission’s findings provide an important basis for addressing the historical undervaluation of our work. But allied health professionals have also experienced years of wage increases that have failed to keep pace with the cost of living.

We cannot separate those issues from the reality members experience every day.

The graph above illustrates the gap between a hypothetical 28% increase and our 36.18% claim, alongside the increase achieved by nurses at an equivalent level of experience.

28% might sound good.

But the question isn’t:

“Is 28% a good pay rise?”

The question is:

“Is it enough to restore the value of allied health care?”

Our answer is clear.

No Less Than 36.18%.

This is the moment to hold the line.

Stand together. Stay united. Be prepared.

Because if we accept an offer that falls short of what is needed to restore our wages, we risk locking in another period of falling behind.

And we haven’t even discussed the essential workload and classification claims that are also part of this bargaining process.

36.18% is not about getting ahead.

It is about catching up.

No Less Than 36.18%.

Inflation Data Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/cpi-rose-46-year-march-2026?utm

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• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for How to vote Pulse

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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The VAHPA election ballot officially opened on 28 July. This means you should be receiving your ballot papers in your mailbox around now.

This is the first VAHPA election in 14 years.

It’s time for change.

We are running because we have a positive vision for our union.

We want to build a vibrant, fighting union for all Allied Health Professionals. No matter where you work or the size of your profession. A union that will challenge the government and employers for better wages, safe workloads and genuine respect in our workplaces.

We are running because we want to lead a transparent, member-led union that is accountable to its members. We will be among you - not just every four years - but every day.

We want you to be active in the union and we will build representative structures and better communication channels so you can tell us what matters to you.

We are current delegates, members and workplace leaders - so we understand the profound challenges confronting Allied Health, now and into the future. Because we are experiencing them too.

Low wages, unsafe workloads, lack of career progression, the attraction and retention crisis, burnout - the list goes on. We will build a strategy to confront these challenges head-on.

We will be different from the current leadership group.

Over the last few years, we have seen:

• An attempt to force an undemocratic merger

• Serious misconduct allegations submitted against the Secretary

• Inordinate amounts of members’ money spent on legal fees ($104,633 in 2025 versus $7,128 in 2024)

• Huge turnover of staff without explanation

These indicate a failure of leadership, poor transparency and no accountability to members.

VAHPA Unity’s leading candidates are all part of the current leadership group. They all voted to support the merger last year and have been responsible for the decisions regarding the finances, staffing and culture of the branch.

Worse, they have not developed a strategic plan to address the urgent challenges facing Allied Health.

There is no leadership. There is no strategic direction.

This is why this election is so critical for our union: 2026 marks the first genuine choice members have had in 14 years.

An uncontested election, no matter how good the incumbents are, means no one’s had to answer for their record. A contested one means leadership must front up, explain their decisions, and earn your vote rather than assume it. That’s healthy for any democratic organisation, it’s what keeps a union accountable to its members.

In order to decide the future of our union, you must vote. Make sure your ballot is in the post by 18 August at the very latest to ensure it gets to the AEC before the ballot closes on 25 August.

Vote VAHPA Pulse above the line for real transparency, accountability, governance and ambition.

Please share this message widely with your colleagues and fellow members.

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• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for “How to vote Pulse”

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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VAHPA Pulse believes members deserve honesty about who is involved, who is doing the work, and whose voices are being represented in our campaign.

We want to be visible and real, because we are.

That’s why our campaign has focused on:

• real conversations with members

• real workplace discussions

• developing real member networks and communication channels to provide members with support, no matter where they live and work.

• real stories from people who have chosen to support our vision for a stronger, transparent more democratic, member driven union.

• organising local workplace rallies and picket lines

• using the time, creativity, skills and knowledge of our members to create authentic campaign content

  

When VAHPA Pulse shares photos, videos, endorsements from members, logos, graphics on campaign materials, we believe they should reflect genuine participation and consent to use in our campaign content.

Members can trust that the people featured have chosen to be involved and support the campiagn as it’s presented to members.

Authentic campaigning isn’t just about election materials, it reflects the kind of union culture we want to build. One based on transparency, accountability, and respect for members.

VAHPA Pulse isn’t running a campaign built around an individual.

We are running a campaign built by members who want a stronger voice and to be heard by their union. They want a greater say in its future.

As the ballot opens from July 28th- August 25th, we encourage members to look beyond the tokenistic pop ups at rallies that members have worked hard to organise and ask a simple question:

Does this campaign reflect the kind of union culture I want to see after the election is over?

For us, the answer is straightforward.

We believe in honesty. We believe in transparency. We believe in member-led representation.

We believe that the values shown during a campaign should be the same values that guide our union after the election.

Vote VAHPA Pulse, for a fresh and energetic future where all members have a voice.

Vote VAHPA Pulse above the line.

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• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for “How to vote Pulse”

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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Meeting details:

📅 Tuesday 21st July

🕕 Drop in anytime between 6– 6:30pm

💻 Online:

https://unimelb.zoom.us/j/88449612925?pwd=byHcW9b1Mk0tM37WIev4X58PHwMNCX.1

No speeches, no waffly presentations, no pressure.

Just a relaxed chance to:

•⁠ ⁠ask questions

•⁠ ⁠meet the team

•⁠ ⁠tell us what matters to you

•⁠ ⁠listen in from wherever you are (some of us will be tuning in from kids after school activities, or whilst knocking off a shift, turn up as you are)

We’re especially keen to hear what members want VAHPA to be and stand for in the years ahead.

Drop in, say hello, and share your ideas, stay for 10 mins or 30, we’d love to meet you.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for How to vote Pulse

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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Bargaining isn’t just about negotiating wages and conditions, it’s also about how we can demonstrate strength, solidarity and determination as VAHPA members.

The strategies of the VHIA

Throughout bargaining, our employers and VHIA/government may use the following tactics designed to test that resolve and hope we give in first:

• Starting with low-ball offers to gauge what members might accept.

• Long gaps between bargaining meetings or offering limited meeting agendas designed to slow momentum and create frustration.

• Delaying improved offers while assessing whether member support remains strong.

• Watching member participation closely; attendance at union meetings, workplace conversations and collective actions all send a message about the strength of member solidarity.

• Hoping fatigue sets in for members, making it more likely that members will accept less than they originally set out to achieve.

  The longer the VHIA delays bargaining, the more backpay members stand to lose if they reject an offer, creating financial pressure to accept less than we deserve.

  NOTE: This is exactly what happened last EBA cycle. A significant proportion of the membership was frustrated by the current VAHPA leadership and Andrew Hewitt heavily promoting and encouraging that we take a suboptimal 2% deal, repeatedly telling members it was a ‘good an fair deal’.

  This viewpoint of our current leadership has aged like warm mayonnaise.

Where we find ourselves now is often when “bargaining” fatigue begins to take hold. The excitement of the campaign has settled, our 24 stop rally starts to feel in the distant past, progress can feel slow, and it’s natural to wonder how much longer it will continue.

But this is also the point where maintaining solidarity and sticking at it together matters most.

VAHPA Pulse is absolutely committed to supporting the work of everyone involved in this current round of Public Sector bargaining - the bargaining team, the delegates and members campaigning in our individual workplaces. Because we are there ourselves in the workplace with you.

We cannot afford another substandard bargaining outcome that drives the value of our wages further backwards in real terms.

We can no longer be expected to put up with inadequate staffing resources and unsafe workloads.

Call to action - How you can keep up the pressure

Every member who does any of the following is actively strengthening our collective bargaining position and helping us win a better outcome:

• Attending a union meeting

• Organising or attending a local workplace rally

• Speaking with colleagues about the bargain

• Wearing your VAHPA tee or merch at work and/or in the community

• Speaking with patients, clients and community members asking them to sign the petition

• Participating in any of the notified actions that we currently protected to

  (see the full list here)

Solidarity sends a clear message that members remain committed and won’t be discouraged by delays or divided by a slow process.

Many of the strongest bargaining outcomes have been achieved because members stayed informed, stayed involved and maintained their solidarity right through to the end.

Our greatest strength has always been each other.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for How to vote Pulse

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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Allied health professionals have transformed protected industrial action across Victorian public hospitals.

Their wit, creativity and determination have been on display across glass windows, mirrors and other approved surfaces as they campaign for fair pay and better working conditions.

Inspired by paramedics, whose highly visible chalk pen campaign formed part of their successful campaign for pay rises of up to 33%, allied health professionals have adopted a similar approach. For many, withdrawing labour is difficult because the care they provide is essential.

All allied health professions are getting involved.

Many allied health professionals, including Radiation Therapists, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, Social Workers, Sonographers, Occupational Therapists and many others, have also been unable to participate in traditional stop-work action due to the critical role they play in supporting patient care across emergency, oncology, paediatric and other essential healthcare services. For these members, visible campaign activities such as chalk pen messages provide one of the few opportunities to make their concerns seen and heard.

By picking up chalk pens, allied health professionals have ensured their voices remain visible. Hospital windows now carry pay facts, campaign messages, word games and slogans; simple but powerful reminders of why allied health professionals are taking action.

We’ve collated a selection of examples from across Victoria. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next campaign message, follow our Instagram page.

There continue to be challenges

The campaign has not been without challenges. Delegates have reported instances where campaign messages were removed, members were challenged about their participation, and in one case Victoria Police were reportedly contacted.

Attempts to remove or restrict these messages risk undermining one of the few visible avenues available for allied health professionals who cannot participate in traditional stop-work action to have their voices heard.

Despite these challenges, members have remained committed to exercising their lawful right to take protected industrial action.

One significant outcome came at Austin Health, where members successfully advocated for the organisation to issue guidance to all staff reaffirming employees’ rights under the Fair Work Act. The communication reminded managers and leaders that employees have the right to participate in lawful protected industrial action, that staff must not be discouraged or treated adversely for participating, and that campaign writing undertaken as part of the notified protected industrial action must not be removed while the action remains in effect.

Now it is time for the remaining 75 Victorian public health services to follow Austin Health’s lead and publicly acknowledge members’ rights to participate in lawful protected industrial action.

Let’s keep it going!

The response from patients, colleagues and the broader community has been overwhelmingly positive. Across Victoria, the messages on hospital windows have become more than words on glass... they are a visible reminder that allied health professionals are standing together to secure the fair pay and conditions their contribution to public healthcare deserves.

Find a collation of some brillant inspo form members on our intagram.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for How to vote Pulse

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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What are the key responsibilities of each elected position?

Here is a break down of the elected positions as they currently stand:

• President - Leads the Branch Committee of Management and is responsible for the general well-being of the Union and its members.

• Vice President - Assists the President and carries out their functions in their absence.

• ⁠Secretary - Manages of the operations of the Union - so yes, hiring staff, finances, strategy and future directions

• Assistant Secretary - Assists the Secretary - often the duties of the Secretary will be divided between them.

• 5 Ordinary Members

• 5 National Councillors - these are positions that sit on the Health Services Union’s national representative body.

The leadership positions and the Ordinary Members make up the Branch Committee of Management (BCoM).

Consider this akin to a representative board. BCoM should oversee the governance and functions of the Branch - as above, this includes hiring staff, finances, strategy and future directions.

Ultimately, the Secretary and Assistant Secretary are accountable to the Branch Committee of Management, and by extension, the members.

Which (if any) of these roles are paid, and how much?

The secretary and assistant secretary are paid positions.

The BCOM and National Council positions are are voluntary.

The annual wages of our elected officials are published with the Fair Work Commission each year - last year our Secretary, Craig McGregor, earned $169,734.88 + $19,519 Super + $5,559 for use of a “private motor vehicle”.

You can read the full disclosure statement here.

The Unity ticket has fewer candidates, resulting in some double-ups for Delegate to National Council positions.

Why did Pulse choose to run additional candidates in this role?

VAHPA Unity have some overlap between their BCoM and National Council Representatives. This has been recent practice.

VAHPA Pulse wants to make the following changes to our existing governance arrangements:

• Currently, both the Secretary and Assistant Secretary have a vote on BCoM. We want to bring BCoM into line with good governance practices by making both the Secretary and Assistant Secretary ex officio members - meaning they don’t have a vote on BCoM. We want to remove that voting power because we think it’s a conflict of interest to be able to vote on your own management and financial decisions.

• We want to expand the BCoM from its current 9 members to 19 members (the maximum that HSU rules will allow) to ensure a better representation of our diverse membership across Public, Private, Disability, and Community Health.

• We will also establish a Delegate Caucus and Professional Reference Groups which will report to BCoM.

• We will publish full unredacted minutes of each BCoM meeting (BCoM minutes have not been published for sometime, and when they have, they have been heavily redacted, or lacking detail).

• ⁠We will also transparently and openly fill vacant BCoM positions when there are multiple applicants.

We encourage you to read the Health Services Union’s rules and decide for yourself.

How is VAHPA pulse funding their campaign?

To date, the VAHPA Pulse campaign has operated with relatively modest expenses. The most significant cost has been engaging a graphic designer to assist with the website and campaign branding. Our logo design was donated by a fellow VAHPA member.

These costs have been covered directly by candidates on the Pulse ticket, who have each made personal contributions (the team can be viewed here).

Because the campaign has been funded by ordinary members, we have been conscious of keeping expenditure to a minimum.

Looking ahead, the primary costs are likely to include posters, merchandise, printing, and postage for how-to-vote materials. We have also received offers of donated support for some of these expenses.

Given that Unity has chosen to undertake fundraising through a GoFundMe campaign, we may also need to consider whether member fundraising is the most appropriate way to meet any future campaign costs.

How will your team ensure continuity, experience, and effective leadership during a challenging period of negotiations and organisational transition?

None of the current negotiating team are in an elected position.

We support VAHPA staff and see no reason for the bargaining team to change if VAHPA Pulse is elected.

Marni Jackson, who is standing for President on the Pulse ticket, also brings previous BCOM experience, adding further knowledge and continuity to the leadership team and bargaining discussions.

More broadly, our vision is for a union that is led collectively, rather than relying heavily on any one individual.

That model has failed the members.

We believe good governance, shared leadership, and member engagement are essential to building a sustainable and effective organisation.

We would like to see changes to the way the union operates because we do not believe the current model is delivering the level of support and outcomes that members deserve. In particular, many members have raised concerns that the organising teams are under-resourced at a critical time when members are seeking strong representation and support.

We believe elected leaders should play a visible and active role in advancing members’ interests, particularly during major campaigns and bargaining periods.

Effective leadership requires clear direction, accountability, and a commitment to supporting both members and staff.

If VAHPA Pulse is elected we would continue to employ staff to support the work of the union. Our focus would be on ensuring those resources are aligned with member priorities and used as effectively as possible.

Ultimately, VAHPA Pulse is seeking to establish a higher standard of accountability, transparency, and governance.

We have an ambitious vision for a member-led union that is well-organised, well-resourced, and capable of delivering meaningful outcomes for Allied Health Professionals.

Allied health workers contribute enormously to Victoria’s health system, and we believe they deserve strong representation, effective leadership, and a union that matches their commitment and professionalism.

Why does it appear that organisers are carrying such a heavy workload without more support from elected leadership?

We agree, it does appear that way.

However, resourcing is a decision of the current VAHPA leadership team: Secretary, Craig McGregor and Assistant Secretary, Bernarda Cavka.

Please get in touch if you have more questions, we would love to answer them.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

• How do I vote? click here for How to vote Pulse

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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We put our full team forward openly and early (14th of May), because members deserve clarity and the opportunity to make an informed decision about who they vote for.

We are now aware of another ticket - VAHPA Unity.

VAHPA Unity has published an Instagram page for the election. The page references “new and old representatives,” but only identifies its lead candidate, no one else. VAHPA Pulse believes members should have clear visibility of all candidates and teams at this stage in the process.

This election is about choices for the future of VAHPA. Members should be able to compare teams, values, and direction before they vote.

VAHPA Pulse is ready to stand on that standard: open, clear, and member-first.

View our full team and platform here: https://www.vahpapulse.com

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

We’ve reached over 8,000 members!

This is a milestone worth celebrating because it belongs to all of us. Every conversation, every new member, every workplace discussion and every local delegate who took the time to organise has helped make this possible.

Just six months ago, our union faced the prospect of being merged against the will of the membership because we were told we weren’t big enough to stand on our own. Instead of weakening us, that moment became a catalyst. Members stepped up, connected with one another, and proved that when grassroots members organise together, our union grows stronger.

There are thousands (42,500) of Allied Health Professionals across Victoria, so still many who are yet to join our collective voice. Every new member strengthens our ability to advocate for fair pay, better conditions and greater recognition for our professions. The next milestone will be achieved the same way this one was; through member-to-member conversations and active workplaces.

Thank you to every delegate, activist and member who has contributed to this achievement. Let’s celebrate 8,000 members strong and keep building a truly member-led union.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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In a union, experience is more than titles… it is what members feel in bargaining, in staffing pressures, in workplace disputes, and in whether they are heard when decisions are made.

With an upcoming election, members are not being asked to define experience. They are being asked a simpler question:

Who can deliver better outcomes for members going forward?

Experience matters. But not all experience is equal.

Members deserve a team whose experience is grounded in workplaces, negotiations, and member advocacy.

The question is not simply who has experience, but what kind of experience a team brings and whether that experience translates into better outcomes for members.

That answer comes down to a team’s demonstrated ability across workplaces, negotiations, and member representation.

Our VAHPA Pulse team brings member-led experience and a strong record of member representation, including:

• Led entirely by delegates and members, with no paid staff or executives

• Experience across public, private, community, and disability sectors

• Representation spanning metropolitan and regional Victoria, enriched by interstate and international experience

• A diverse mix of professions across therapy, science, and clinical disciplines

• Experience across clinical practice, management, education, and specialist roles

• Volunteer union and professional leadership experience, including Chairs, Secretaries, and committee members

• Four current bargaining representatives actively engaged in negotiations

• Strong metropolitan and regional workplace representation

• Experience defending member-led governance during a contested merger process

• Development of a rank-and-file member network focused on grassroots member engagement and workplace issues

Ultimately, members are not simply choosing based on experience. They are choosing the team they trust to represent their interests in the workplace and into the future.

It is VAHPA Pulse’s diversity and shared purpose that strengthens our capacity to deliver meaningful change.

We invite you to join us by signing up to our campaign via our website.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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Whether you work in the public sector, private practice, community health or disability, you deserve a union that stands beside you.

For too long, many Allied Health Professionals, particularly those outside the public system, have felt disconnected from their union.

By engaging with you we’ve heard your frustration with previous bargaining outcomes, limited engagement and feeling that your voice hasn’t influenced the decisions that matter.

We understand why trust has been lost.

This is not a reflection of the organisers and industrial staff who work tirelessly to support members across countless workplaces and Enterprise Agreements. They do an incredible job with limited resources.

The issue is one of leadership priorities.

Too often, the people directly supporting members have been expected to do the impossible.

We believe it’s time to refocus our union on what matters most, supporting members, delegates and workplace organising.

Stronger Together

Many of us studied together, trained together and continue to work across different sectors throughout our careers. We are one in our Allied Health professions, yet too often we work in isolation from one another.

We want to change that.

By growing membership across the private, community and disability sectors, while continuing to strengthen our public sector membership, we can build a stronger, more united union that advocates for every Allied Health Professional.

Our Commitment

If elected, we will:

• Prioritise resources that directly support members and delegates.

• Build stronger profession-specific and cross-sector networks so members can learn from and support one another.

• Engage members well before bargaining begins, with long-term plans shaped by those doing the work.

• Listen first, communicate openly and ensure members are part of decision-making, not simply informed after decisions are made.

• We will seek nominations to expand the composition of BCoM so that all sectors of AHP membership are represented.

  ---

Give Us the Opportunity

We’re not asking for your support based on promises alone.

We’re asking for the opportunity to rebuild trust through genuine member-led leadership, where every Allied Health Professional, in every workplace, has a voice and a place at the table.

It’s Time to Refocus Our Union.

Your voice. Your profession. Your Union.

Please share this post with any colleagues, friends and networks working across:

• private healthcare sector

• disability

• community health

• public sector healthcare

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• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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We’re proud to share that our team was ready and submitted its nomination on the very first day nominations for the VAHPA election opened, and we have now formally received confirmation that it has been accepted.

For the first time in over a decade, a fully prepared team of 14 grassroots candidates has come together to contest every elected position within VAHPA.

Our member and delegate team has been carefully assembled to reflect the diversity and strength of our membership… representing:

• multiple professions

• rural and metropolitan workplaces

• a broad range of career stages

Each candidate brings the skills, experience and commitment needed to help lead our union forward.

Importantly, this is a genuine grassroots collective.

We are members and delegates from your workplaces who understand the challenges facing allied health professionals because we experience them every day.

Check out some of our candidates below at the STOP WORK Rally in the CBD last week!

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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VAHPA is due to hold its four‑yearly election for the Branch Committee of Management (BCoM) this June, yet members have not been provided with clear information about election timelines or how to participate.

BCoM holds significant responsibility for representing allied health professionals and guiding the direction of our union. At a time when members should be preparing to engage, the absence of communication from current leadership is concerning.

We understand nominations are expected to open this month, but members are still waiting for clear, proactive advice.

For a union built on member representation, transparency about democratic processes should be a given, not something members have to chase.

This silence also comes in the context of the recent proposed merger with HACSU, which was progressed without a member vote and raised serious concerns about how decisions are communicated and who gets a voice. That proposal did not proceed due to exceptional show of resolve by members, led by VAHPA Pulse. However, the expectation for open, accountable communication remains.

With BCoM elections now due, members deserve clarity:

• When do nominations open?

• What are the timelines?

• How can members participate?

These are not unreasonable questions, they are the basics of a functioning, democratic union.

VAHPA Pulse challenges the current Leadership to communicate clearly with members and ensure this election process is transparent, accessible, and accountable.

Members should not have to ask for transparency, it should be the standard our union is built on.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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We’re standing in the upcoming VAHPA elections.
We invite you to stand with us.

Read our announcement of leadership nominees here

Read our announcement of National Council nominees here

What “Pulse” Means

“Pulse” reflects a union that is alive; responsive, connected, and driven by members.

We believe our union, VAHPA should feel active and accessible, not distant.

A strong union listens, adapts, and moves with its members.

A Member‑Powered Union

VAHPA belongs to its members. That means:

• Clear, timely communication

• Genuine input into decisions

• Shared leadership and accountability

Our goal is simple: return power and voice to the membership.

VAHPA Pulse is standing to bring renewed energy, stronger organising, and a member-led culture into the union.

We want a union that listens, communicates clearly, and acts with purpose.

Renewal Without Grievance

We know frustrations exist. But this is not about blame.

We are focused on constructive renewal, acknowledging challenges, improving how things work, and rebuilding trust through clarity and openness.

This Moment Matters

Protected industrial action is underway across the public sector. Members are navigating uncertainty, and many have told us communication from VAHPA has felt unclear or difficult to apply.

In moments like this, clarity matters. Members deserve communication that is:

• Straightforward

• Timely

• Practically useful

What’s Next

The VAHPA Pulse team is meeting to plan next steps, including:

• Supporting members during industrial action

• Improving communication

• Strengthening member voice in decision‑making

• Online Q&A on our socials - please connect with us if you have questions

An Invitation

This is about reconnecting our union with its members.

The pulse of VAHPA is its members.
Let’s make it stronger, together.

Connect with us

• Visit our website, instagram, facebook, substack and share with your colleagues.

• Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

• Leave questions on our socials or via our website portal for us to answer in Q&A.

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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Our announcement of the VAHPA Pulse member-led ticket continues…..with a further 5 candidates to be introduced below.

Remember: A “ticket” means a group of candidates running together with shared values and policies.

VAHPA Pulse Ticket

We introduced our candidates for the four Leadership positions and five BCoM positions in our previous article.

Now we introduce our five candidates for HSU National Council.

Bringing us a total of 14 rank and file members and from-the-floor clinicians putting their hands up to lead our union into the future and to represent our voices.

I hear you ask; “What’t HSU National Council?”

The HSU National Council is the highest decision‑making body of the union, representing members from across all states and territories. It has the final say on major decisions, including setting union rules and electing national leaders like the National President and National Secretary.

National Council members are elected by union members in each branch, ensuring representation reflects the size and diversity of the membership. In simple terms, the National Council is where members’ voices come together to guide the union’s big decisions and future direction.

Why do we need members on National Council?

In a recent example of the power of this body, it was the National Council that ultimately approved the undemocratic merger of HACSU + VAHPA. That was until rank and file VAHPA members, led and organised by VAHPA Pulse succeeded to force the overturning of its decision by a successful Special General Meeting vote.

Electing National Council members who truly represent their branches is imperative to ensure decisions reflect the voice of the membership, rather than the political agendas of others.

Below are the members standing up to be your voice. Take a moment to read about who they are (extended bios on our website) and see how they plan to champion your interests, for improved pay and workplace conditions at the highest level of our union.

National Council - Candidates

Andreia Barbosa - Candidate for National Council

I am a dedicated and energetic Occupational Therapist working at Monash Health and in the private hospital sector, with a strong commitment to advocacy as a VAHPA member and union delegate. I believe healthcare is a fundamental human right and that high-quality care relies on a well-supported, properly resourced, and fairly paid workforce.

Drawing on my understanding of the daily challenges faced by healthcare professionals, I am passionate about teamwork, leadership, and supporting the growth of colleagues through knowledge sharing and mentorship. As part of the VAHPA Pulse ticket, I advocate for a strong, member-led union grounded in fairness, transparency, and accountability, working to improve pay, conditions, and dignity for allied health professionals.

Bess McDougall- Candidate for National Council

I’m Bess, the Social Work Manager and VAHPA delegate at Latrobe Regional Health in Gippsland, with experience across hospital, community, and public sector settings. Working in a regional context has given me a strong understanding of the challenges facing our workforce and communities, including access barriers, resource limitations, and the need for flexible, responsive services.

With a career largely focused on family violence, I bring a strong commitment to social justice, equity, and meaningful system change. I have been an active union member and delegate across multiple unions throughout my career, reflecting my belief in the power of collective action and a member-led future for VAHPA. I am committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality care and to advocating for the recognition, fair pay, and conditions that allied health professionals need to deliver this care effectively.

Cass Gorton - Candidate for National Council

I’m running for the HSU National Council because I believe allied health professionals deserve stronger representation, greater recognition, and meaningful support. As a medical librarian and VAHPA delegate at Monash Health, I work closely with allied health staff and see both the expertise they bring to patient care and the challenges they face, including workload pressures and limited representation in decision-making.

Coming from a smaller profession, I understand how easily some voices can be overlooked and am committed to ensuring broader, more inclusive representation across all allied health groups. I am passionate about evidence-based practice, education, and knowledge sharing, and I believe decisions should be transparent and informed by frontline experiences. Ultimately, I want to help build a union that listens to its members, supports its delegates, and empowers allied health professionals at every stage of their careers while elevating their voice nationally.

Nadia Cirakovic - Candidate for National Council

I am a Radiographer and Sonographer at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, with over 10 years’ experience working across X-ray, theatre, CT, and Cath lab, and five years specialising in paediatric ultrasound. Having worked in both paediatric and adult settings across multiple health services and the NHS, I understand the broad challenges facing the public healthcare workforce.

I am passionate about patient-centred care, collaboration, and communication, and I am committed to improving conditions to retain skilled sonographers and allied health professionals in the public system. I believe high-quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, which requires competitive pay, strong career pathways, and better retention of experienced staff. I also believe in strengthening our union through active member engagement and advocacy to ensure allied health professionals are recognised, supported, and able to influence meaningful change.

Tom Langman - Candidate National Council

I’m a physiotherapist and union delegate at a large regional hospital, primarily working in acute care, with over 13 years’ experience in Victoria’s public health system and 12 years as an active union member, including four as a VAHPA delegate. Through my work, I see firsthand the vital role allied health plays in delivering safe, effective care, and I’m passionate about addressing key challenges such as workforce shortages, under-resourcing, and limited career progression.

With experience as an Allied Health Educator, I strongly advocate for interprofessional learning and the recognition of allied health within multidisciplinary teams. I believe VAHPA’s future should be member-led, transparent, and inclusive, with strong representation across all disciplines and regions, and that an engaged membership is essential to improving pay, conditions, and professional recognition.

Your vote. Your union. Your future.

4 Executive Leadership positions + 5 BCom + 5 National Council = 14 rank and file members on this ticket!

VAHPA Pulse Ticket represents every corner of Allied Health; metro and regional, new delegates and seasoned advocates, across large and small disciplines and holds decades of leadership, management and clinical experience.

This is your ticket, this is your voice.

When voting opens, make your voice heard.

Introducing our NEW website

Our brand new website is LIVE!

Click the image above and read:

• extended bios of all candidates

• our values

• our plans for a democratic, transparent and member-led union driven to achieve real progress for Allied Health professionals and our communities health and well-being.

Connect with us

Visit our website, instagram, substack and share with your colleagues.

Comment, like, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

Remember, when it’s time to vote, VOTE VAHPA Pulse to make sure your voice is heard!

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We promised you a member-led ticket.

Today, we deliver.

Allied health professionals are the backbone of Victorian healthcare and it’s time our union leadership reflected that. Something has been building across our membership, in wards, clinics, and corridors. You asked for leadership that listens, that represents your work and your worth. Here it is.

Introducing VAHPA PULSE: Built by members, for members, and ready to lead .

Meet the ticket

Leadership positions

Aneta Menkinoska - Candidate for Secretary

A Speech Pathologist and VAHPA Delegate with a career spanning metro, regional and NHS settings, Aneta carries a clinical caseload while leading a subacute team. She’s running for Secretary because she believes Allied Health deserves a union that’s democratic, fearless, and driven by members, not the other way around.

Lil Muir - Candidate for Assistant Secretary

A Radiation Therapist and 15-year delegate at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Lil knows what’s possible when members are genuinely engaged. Frustrated into action by the last EA, she channelled that energy into building a deeper understanding of what a truly member-driven union can achieve and she’s not done yet.

Marni Jackson - Candidate for President

A Gippsland physiotherapist with over a decade of union membership and experience on VAHPA’s Branch Committee of Management and HSU National Council, Marni understands the unique pressures facing regional AHPs. She believes equity of access to quality healthcare starts with a strong, active membership.

Chris Parsons - Candidate for Vice President

A radiographer and lead clinical educator with postgraduate qualifications in Health Professional Education, Chris has worked across regional and rural Victoria and brings lived understanding of the pressures facing AHPs in diverse settings. With four AHPs in his family, Allied Health isn’t just his profession, it’s personal.

BCoM

Elektra Vlogianitis - Ordinary Member, Branch Committee of Management

A Senior Physiotherapist and Team Leader at Bayside Health, Elektra has spent five years as a delegate growing membership and amplifying Allied Health voices at the decision-making table. She was at the forefront of the successful member-led campaign against the attempted HACSU amalgamation in 2025.

Mike Sproston - Ordinary Member, Branch Committee of Management

A Radiation Therapist who has worked across the NHS, Canada, Singapore and now Melbourne, Mike has spent four years organising Victorian Public Sector RTs and lobbying politicians to address a pay disparity of over $50k against interstate colleagues. Same job, same registration but different pay. He’s here to fix that.

Bron Rademaker - Ordinary Member, Branch Committee of Management

A Senior Speech Pathologist, Clinical Educator and VAHPA Delegate in regional Victoria, Bron lives the workforce pressures she fights against; staffing shortages, recruitment gaps, and rising demand. Raised in a union household, she’s committed to a transparent, democratic union that is accountable to its members.

Cecilia Judge - Ordinary Member, Branch Committee of Management

A social worker and lifelong union member with over 20 years of activism, Cecilia brings experience from the ASU Equal Pay campaign, the fight against the HACSU merger, and a long history of standing up for equity in and beyond the workplace. She believes rebuilding unions starts with an active membership and open leadership.

Juliet Young - Ordinary Member, Branch Committee of Management

A Cardiac Physiologist with 17 years in the public health system across Monash and Austin Health, Juliet is an adjunct lecturer at Monash University and is completing a Master’s in Professional Health Education. She believes a member-led union is a stronger, more democratic one and she’s here to help build it.

Your vote. Your union. Your future.

VAHPA PULSE represents every corner of Allied Health; metro and regional, new delegates and seasoned advocates, across disciplines and decades of experience.

This is your ticket. When voting opens, make your voice heard.

More details including our NEW website coming soon, watch this space.

Share with your colleagues, comment, get in touch with us if you want to get involved and join the fight!

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