AUSTRALIAN SERVICES UNION
SA + NT BRANCH

By your side

ABOUT US

The Australian Services Union is tens of thousands of workers who have united to protect and improve our wages and working conditions.

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We work across many different industries and workplaces:

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• Social, Community and Disability Services

• Local Government

• Energy

• Airlines + travel 

• Legal

• Call Centres

• Administration + IT

• Finance

• Assistants to MPs

• Job Providers

• NGO + activist organisations

• Other unions

Our union sets its ambitions very high, in terms of what we can achieve for our members & the wider community.

For example, we delivered fairer and more equal pay for women when most thought it was a pipedream and we were the first in the world to deliver paid domestic violence leave in a workplace agreement – an issue which is now in the national conversation.

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Everything we do as a union is done with the inclusion of members’ input and ideas. We are a member-led, democratic union.

We make sure that members have a range of options in terms of our services and supports to recognise all members are individuals with unique needs.

Some people want help with professional development; others value the discounts we provide on goods and services; and some people just want the assurance that if something goes wrong at work, they’ll get the advice & representation they need.

Everyone’s different but we’re here for all members, every step of the way.

The Australian Services Union - By your side

Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian Services Union acknowledges that the ASU offices are on the traditional country of the Kaurna people and the Larrakia people.

We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationships with the land.

We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We understand that sovereignty has never been ceded and we try to be mindful of this in everything we do.

​We support the right of First Nations people to self-determination. We stand alongside you in the fight to make this happen.

LATEST NEWS

For the very latest news from the ASU please make sure you check your emails for our regular bulletins, and follow us on facebook and instagram.

BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER

Unions are all about workers standing up for ourselves and our workmates.

Together we’ve won important rights – like sick pay, annual leave, penalty rates and reasonable work hours.

We just want fair wages, and enough time to spend away from work with our family and friends. We want certainty of hours, and security to plan for the future.

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There are many reasons to become an ASU member:

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• Protection and security at work, with expert advice and support       

• Union fees are 100% tax deductible

• Better wages and conditions

• Campaigns to improve things in your workplace, across your sector, and in the broader community

• Exclusive Member Benefits  - eg access to professional training and development; shopping and petrol discounts

ASU CAREER LAUNCHPAD

Free online professional development + training

ASU Career Launchpad is your exclusive member-only professional development program designed to help you take the next step in your career.

These courses would usually cost you hundreds of dollars to access - but they are free for ASU members.

We have courses that are live and interactive, presented by experts in their field. We also offer online video workshops that you can access on-demand and undertake at your own pace.

MEMBER ADVANTAGE

With cost of living pressure being a big issue for members we know how important it is to save every cent wherever possible.

That’s why we use our bargaining power nationally through the ASU Member Advantage program to secure members better deals on your weekly shop and other cost of living expenses to help you with your weekly budget.

Are you taking full advantage of your ASU membership?

Access your exclusive discounts on:

• Petrol

• Groceries at Coles + Woolies

• Gift cards

• Electronic goods and homewares

• Dining and entertainment

• Movie tickets

• Accommodation and travel

• Car hire

• Insurance, financial services and credit cards

• Health and wellness

Take advantage of savings at major retailers including Myer, JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, Freedom, Harvey Norman, Kmart, Target, Dan Murphy’s, Vintage Cellars, Liquorland, Dymocks, itunes, BCF, Specsavers, Supercheap Auto, Priceline, Sephora, rebel sport and endota spa.

INSURANCE FOR MEMBERS WORKING IN SOCIAL, COMMUNITY + DISABILITY SERVICES

The following benefits are available exclusively to financial members of the ASU who work in social, community + disability services.

Journey Insurance

We know our members in community services often are driving long distances to their first support of the day. That’s why in July 2020 we added Journey Insurance for all financial members working in social, community + disability services. We hope you never need it, but accidents do happen. If you need time off work because of an accident travelling to or from work your ASU Journey Insurance policy is there for you. For a copy of your certificate of currency and more information email union@asu-sant.asn.au

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Australian Services Union members working in social, community + disability services are covered by our professional indemnity insurance. This insurance provides financial assistance when defending claims of civil liability as well as damage from potentially ruinous financial loss.

NDIS Code of Conduct Training

The ASU is proud to offer member-only NDIS Code of Conduct training geared towards your rights and responsibilities as a worker. You can watch the training online for free by logging into the ASU Career Launchpad at www.asucareerlaunchpad.tln.org.au

FREE WILLS

Brand new in 2021 - ASU members can now access free wills as part of their union membership.

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This member benefit is valued at $199.00. The wills are generously provided by Hall Payne lawyers.

To access your free will simply contact the ASU at union@asu-sant.asn.au or on 08 8363 1322. Once we have confirmed your financial membership you will receive a coupon code and link to the online portal. You can print and store your will or request Hall Payne securely store the document.

DISCOUNTED FIRST AID

Brand new in 2021 - Being an ASU member means you can access 30% off First Aid courses through the Red Cross.

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You can save money on courses such as:

- advanced first aid

- provide first aid refresher

- general first aid

- mental health first aid

- first aid for babies and children

- CPR

and many more!

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Head to the Red Cross Australia website for a full list of courses.

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This means a one day course that typically costs $110 will reduce to $77 for ASU members. Two day courses that are typically $220 will now cost you $154 thanks to your ASU membership.

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For your discount code please contact our Member Engagement Officer on 088363 1322 or email us at union@asu-sant.asn.au

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ASU CAMPAIGNS

The Australian Services Union is a campaigning union.

We campaign for positive change - in our workplaces and industries, in our local communities, and at a national and global level.

AVIATION KEEPER

We’re calling on the Morrison Federal Government to immediately bring in an AviationKeeper payment scheme for all aviation workers across Australia.

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The aviation industry is in crisis. With the majority of flights still grounded due to COVID-19, it is going to take some time for our industry to recover.

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Thousands of aviation workers are being denied JobKeeper, and in too many cases JobSeeker as well. This means many workers have been left with no income. When workers are receiving JobKeeper, it is often delayed, incorrectly issued and simply doesn’t cover our most basic bills like rent, mortgages, groceries and utilities.

To stop our essential aviation industry collapsing, we need our jobs and companies protected so that when Australia is ready to fly, we are too.

PORTABLE LONG SERVICE LEAVE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

Community sector workers need a break. They spend their working lives supporting the most vulnerable people in our community.

Insecure work and short term government funding cycles mean workers in this sector often move from job to job, losing their long service leave entitlements before ever taking a proper break. This leaves workers burnt out, and eventually they leave the sector completely.

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Portable Long Service Leave already exists in South Australia for Local Government and Construction workers.

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Portable Long Service Leave has been introduced for community services workers in the ACT, Victoria, Queensland and the NT Government will introduce a PLSL system in this new term of government.

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In the lead up to the 2018 SA State Government Labor committed to introducing Portable Long Service Leave for community services workers when returned to government. Unfortunately, they didn't win the election.

And so the campaign continues to make sure Community Services workers in South Australia get the break they deserve!

SAVE LOCAL JOBS + SERVICES

COVID-19 has hit the economy hard.

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But while most councils are doing the right thing by their employees and local communities, some councils in South Australia are using this as an opportunity to cull staff.

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This is despite the Prime Minister and the Federal Local Government Minister making it clear that all levels of government - Federal, State and Local - need to help stabilise the economy by keeping as many people in paid employment as possible.  This is the time for governments to be creating jobs and investing in our future.

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Local Government employees are not eligible for Job Keeper support. It's cruel and unnecessary for councils to be making staff redundant during this global pandemic. 

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Job cuts lead to service cuts - right when our communities need these services more than ever.

STAND UP FOR SUPER

The superannuation system is failing women:

•  1 in 3 women will retire into poverty
•  The superannuation balances of women are 47% lower than for men
•  Over 1 million Australians currently don’t earn any super so can’t save for their retirement – over half of those women.

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And things are not getting any better.

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Plans to increase the superannuation guarantee to 12% by 2019 were abolished by the Liberal Government in 2014. Instead, they froze super at 9.5%. Despite a modest move to 10% in mid-2021, there is no guarantee we will get the full increase to 12%.

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This super freeze has already meant that a woman on the median wage has already lost over $4,000 in super since 2014. And a 30-year old woman could lose another $93,000 by the time she hits retirement.​

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Stand up for Super is a joint campaign between the ASU, the SDA and the ANMF. 

A JUST TRANSITION FOR ENERGY WORKERS

We don't have a choice: Australia must act on climate change. The changes happening now to the climate are real and impacts all Australians - so we must act.

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And unions have an important role to play in this process.

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As a major energy industry union, the ASU has been campaigning for a Just Transition for workers in high-carbon energy generation and the communities reliant upon these industries, as we work to meet the challenges of climate change.

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In 2015 ASU members were confronted by the crisis of a lack of a transition strategy with the sudden closure of the coal-fired power stations owned by Alinta Energy in Port Augusta. We don’t ever want to see a repeat of this crisis.

We need to ensure that job creation and action on climate change are closely connected.

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The ASU continues to work with governments, employers, energy workers and environmental activists to ensure we achieve real action on climate change and a Just Transition for all Australians working in high-polluting industries.

NDIS - LET'S MAKE IT THE BEST IT CAN BE

There are thousands of ASU members working in the NDIS in the Disability and Community Mental Health support services.  We know what is and isn't working in the NDIS.

ASU members working in frontline services have shared their feedback - they have attended NDIA / NDIS worker forums, presented at parliamentary inquiries and written submissions for NDIS reviews.

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We now know that:

• the pricing units don't reflect the true cost of delivering high quality person centred services;

• we need greater focus on training and ongoing worker development;

• a classification structure which recognises the skills required to work with high support needs clients needs to be developed.

We want secure jobs with predictable hours for worker security and continuity of support for people with disability.

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ASU members around Australia are campaigning to make the NDIS the best it can be.

WE WON'T WAIT

Domestic + family violence can happen to anyone. 

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Paid domestic violence leave is an important universal right all workers should have access to. We know that women have been murdered on the way to or from work because when they try to leave an unsafe home the perpetrator of violence knows where they work.

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People experiencing family violence need to know that their workplace will support them through paid leave to speak out, seek help and take action.

Economic dependency traps people in violent relationships.

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This important workplace right will save lives. The provision of timely, effective and expert non-judgemental support for women experiencing violence can make all the difference to whether a woman successfully rebuilds her life and achieves safety.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ASU will continue to support our members with any industrial concerns you may have.

The ASU is by your side during these challenging and stressful times.

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We've put together a number of fact sheets that will assist ASU Workplace Reps and members.

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Fact sheets include:

• How the ASU will continue to operate during COVID-19

• What is COVID-19?

• JobKeeper basics + changes to JobKeeper

• Consultation obligations during COVID-19

• Workplace checklist

• Workplace cleanliness + hygiene

• Personal Protective Equipment

• Extra Supports available - mental health and family violence

• When domestic violence comes to work (and work is at home)

• Working from home safely

ASU MEMBERS INFORMATION

There are many ways to become more active in the ASU.

We hold regular industry roundtables, forums, campaign actions, zoom meetings and workplace visits.

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If you would like to connect to someone in the ASU team, and chat about the different ways you can become more involved in your union, please email us at union@asu-sant.asn.au

ASU LEADERSHIP TEAM

Secretary Abbie Spencer

Assistant Secretary + Industrial Lead Scott Cowen

President Kristen Gilbertson

Deputy President Local Government Maggie L’Estrange

Vice President Community Services Robert Habel

Vice President Energy Darren Wicks

Vice President Women Sandra Dunn

ASU WORKPLACE REPS

ASU workplace leaders are the heart and soul of our union. They are the link between ASU members, the union and union officials. They are the face of our Union, providing information and support to their workmates.

ASU Workplace Reps are elected and endorsed by other ASU members at their worksite.

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They can assist you with workplace issues, support you in meetings with management, represent staff at the bargaining table, and organise collective actions.

The ASU offers specialised training for our Workplace Reps - both for new leaders and those who have been active for decades.

MEMBER GROUPS WITHIN THE ASU

GOVERNANCE

MEMBERSHIP FEES + DISCLAIMER

The ASU SA + NT Branch has a salary band scale for membership fees.

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ASU membership fees are tax deductible.

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You can elect to have your Union fees debited to your credit card monthly, quarterly or annually. Direct debits of your Union fees from your Bank or credit union account can be made fortnightly or monthly.  See the attached table to calculate your fees.

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There are three ways you can join:

• Join online now via our secure national website. 

• Download the membership form scan and return to membership@asu-sant.asn.au 

• Download the membership form and mail it to: ASU, PO Box 2217 Kent Town SA 5071

JOINING WITH A PRE-EXISTING WORKPLACE ISSUE POLICY

In order to be fair to our long-term members, the ASU has a policy that limits the level of support we can provide new members joining the union with pre-existing issues.

WEBSITE DISCLAIMER + PRIVACY POLICY

Material published on this website is for information purposes only.

The Australian Services Union cannot guarantee that the information is complete or correct or current. Confirmation direct from the ASU is to be sought for any official advice.

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The ASU accepts no responsibility for the content of any external sites we link to.

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Please also see our Privacy Policy for further information.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

This ASU’s social media space on a third-party platform provides an opportunity to share opinions and engage with others through social media channels.

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All users are required to treat each other with respect and courtesy. As unionists, we stand for safety, we respect each other, and we will always fight for equality and fairness.

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Please also see our Social Media policy for further information.

REPORTING

The Australian Services Union is an employee organisation (a union) registered under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.

The Act and the ASU Rules provide that the financial affairs of Unions are checked and audited every year and this information is made available to members. More information including all previous audited statements can be found on the Registered Organisations Commission website .

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Hard copies are available upon request by email to aspencer@asu-sant.asn.au or write to:

A Spencer
PO Box 2217
KENT TOWN DC  SA  5071

If you have any questions or comments regarding the financial reports please email ASU SA + NT Branch Secretary, Abbie Spencer at aspencer@asu-sant.asn.au

2020-21

Latest financial year audited statements.

OFFICER AND RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The union is required to declare the remuneration and other non-cash benefits of our officials.

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Previous disclosures can be found on the Registered Organisations Commission website .

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The 2020-2021 disclosure includes additional income for the Secretary in the form of Long Service Leave paid out, approved by the Branch Executive.