Darryl Noack comments on the high union involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, heralding Stephen Christian as the first Indigenous organiser. He remarks upon the AWU as having a long, proud record of fighting for Indigenous rights.
Darryl Noack discusses the high level of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander membership of the AWU. He credits former District Secretary Ted Brisky as implementing reforms that increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander membership. He comments on the difficulties faced by the Indigenous Councils, including their reliance on State and Federal funding due to their own lack of a rate base.
Darryl Noack describes the high level of coverage of Indigenous workers for the AWU, stating that it was the result of the Union's efforts. He comments on the difficulties facing the Indigenous Council, including the lack of funding and inability to pay higher and fairer rates of pay. He describes the role of the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) and the AWU in assisting politically and lobbying the state governments.
Darryl Noack comments on some of the major reforms that the AWU fought for in regards to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, including the industrial disputes that led to further career structuring from 1995 to 1997 and the latest career restructure in 2007. He also mentions the impact of the commission for Queensland Health.
Darryl Noack speaks about the unique issues involved with working in North Queensland, concluding that the challenges concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) are the most significant. He describes some of the difficulties facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as well as the AWU's influence in the career restructuring for ATSI Health Workers from 1994 to 1995. He also discusses the role of current District Secretary Stephen Christian.
Bill Marklew describes his experience with Indigenous members and issues. He comments that more needs to be done on Indigenous issues. He describes the ongoing relationship between unions and the Indigenous community.
Linda Apelt discusses the establishment of the Remote Area Housing, Land and Infrastructure program in Cairns and comments on the skill requirements of a Director General.
