Brendan O’Connor Honored for His Service to Australian Workers

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has expressed gratitude towards Brendan O’Connor for his dedicated service to the Australian people over his 23 years in Parliament.

O’Connor has been a champion for workers’ rights, advocating for crucial reforms that benefit the workforce. A notable moment in his career was in 2006 when he firmly opposed the Liberal Government’s controversial WorkChoices legislation, taking a parliamentary inquiry across Australia to showcase the negative impact of such laws on working individuals.

During his time as a Minister in the Rudd/Gillard Government, O’Connor focused on revamping Australia’s employment services, ensuring that long-term unemployed individuals received the support they needed. He also made significant strides in reforming the 457 visa program to protect the rights of both local and migrant workers.

As Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, he showed his commitment to addressing the issues of insecure work and gender pay disparity. O’Connor pushed for the notable “same job, same pay” labor hire reform and worked on establishing clearer definitions around casual employment.

In his latest role as Minister for Skills and Training, he successfully negotiated a new National Skills Agreement, which aims to increase access to vocational education, especially through TAFE. This initiative includes numerous Fee Free TAFE and VET places that benefit thousands of Australians.

Moreover, he has fostered opportunities for apprentices by setting national targets for apprenticeships, traineeships, and cadetships within government-funded projects. His efforts have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the lives of working Australians.

According to ACTU Secretary Sally McManus, O’Connor has demonstrated unwavering dedication and integrity throughout his career. She highlighted his strong connections with workers on the ground and his consistent efforts to make policies that prioritize their needs.

The Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, praised O’Connor’s collaborative approach in working across various sectors to strengthen Australia’s skilled workforce. They expressed their appreciation for his recognition of the vital role universities play in providing advanced skills necessary for the future.

O’Connor’s oversight in establishing Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has positioned Australia’s labor market for long-term success and effectiveness, further solidifying his legacy in public service.