Assoc Prof Sharlene Leroy-Dyer

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, joining and being part of a union is crucial for leveraging collective strength to combat workplace racism, secure fair wages, and ensure cultural knowledge and experience are respected. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workplace issues need to be at the forefront of enterprise bargaining. The NTEU provides a powerful, representative voice to negotiate better, safer, and more inclusive working conditions, ultimately aiming to close the gap in economic and social outcomes. 

The NTEU uses its bargaining power within the university sector to establish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment targets and other targeted provisions within enterprise agreements which aim to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on campus, ensure fair and equitable working conditions and challenge entrenched inequality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers within their universities. Union membership assists in creating culturally safe environments that respect Indigenous culture, which is essential for personal well-being and reconciliation.

Unions are the backbone of this country, historically our unions have fought for all the rights we as workers enjoy today.  Collectively we can make a difference in the workplace; individually we are at the mercy of management.

Sharlene Leroy-Dyer

Chair NTEU National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy Committee

NTEU QLD Division Vice President (Academic)

NTEU Branch Committee member UQ