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End of an era for union leader
Public and community services union leader marks the end of an era
Public Service Association national secretary Brenda Pilott ends 10 years at the helm this Friday.
Having worked on innumerable causes and campaigns with the PSA, Brenda has been in the position of national secretary longer than any other in her working life.
Brenda was appointed to the role of national secretary 10 years ago, following a high profile career in the public service, working mainly in social policy, including five years as general manager of policy at the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services and as the Women’s Refuge national coordinator for four years.
Unions were in a bad shape 10 years ago, still recovering from the decimation of the 1990s, but alongside her fellow national secretary Richard Wagstaff, Brenda was able to help build the union’s membership, along with its credibility and reputation, something that PSA president Mike Tana is quick to point out.
“Over the past decade, Brenda’s leadership has been steady, strong and fearless. She has helped guide the PSA to grow in size, influence and effectiveness. She has served PSA members with a strong sense of loyalty and will have the satisfaction of knowing that she is leaving the organisation in good shape and with sound delegate structures to take us forward,” says Mike Tana, PSA president.
“It has been a real honour working with Brenda in my time as PSA president. She has been a strong advocate for public services and the public servants that deliver them. I have personally appreciated her expertise, guidance and friendship,” says Mike Tana.
In the last months of her tenure, Brenda focussed on two big areas of work: closing the gender pay gap for women and state sector reform. Her endeavours mean that she leaves the PSA with well-established programmes in place to tackle these issues.
“I’m sure our 58,000 members would like to join with me in registering our appreciation of Brenda’s tireless and exemplary leadership in defence of their rights. She has been a wonderful advocate and leader of our union and our people,” says Mike Tana.
Richard Wagstaff continues in his role as joint national secretary of the PSA. The PSA will be advertising for a replacement for Brenda Pilott in the coming weeks.
Ends
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