Health workers across Victoria have emphatically endorsed their new Enterprise Agreement, with 93.5 per cent voting in favour of the deal, and more than 22,000 workers taking part.
A total of 20,832 healthcare workers voted “Yes” to the Agreement, with fifteen health services returning a unanimous 100 per cent endorsement.
The successful vote comes at a significant moment for the Health Workers Union, with Administrator Charlie Donnelly yesterday certifying that the union is functioning effectively and confirming that the union is ready to be returned to democratic control.
“It is time this union was handed back to the members,” Mr Donnelly said.
“In accordance with the Scheme of Administration established by the Federal Court of Australia, I have now issued the necessary certificate to the Fair Work Commission to confirm that the Health Workers Union is functioning effectively.”
“The Australian Electoral Commission will conduct an election in accordance with the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, ensuring members have the opportunity to determine the future direction of their union. These elections will take place alongside other elections in the Health Services Union”
The Health Workers Union was placed into administration in December 2024 following years of financial mismanagement and organisational decline.
Mr Donnelly said the union that exists today bears little resemblance to the organisation he inherited eighteen months ago.
“When I was appointed Interim Administrator on Christmas Eve 2024, this union had effectively ceased to function as a campaigning and organising force for its members,” Mr Donnelly said.
“Over the past eighteen months we have rebuilt a strong, effective and financially sustainable organisation that is once again capable of taking on the big fights and winning major outcomes for workers.”
The recently endorsed Public Sector Enterprise Agreement was one example of that transformation, delivering significant wage increases and workplace improvements for tens of thousands of Victorian health workers.
The union has also recorded major wins across the private sector, including at Ramsay Health Care, where workers are now on track to become the best-paid private hospital employees in Victoria.
The organisation’s financial position has undergone a dramatic turnaround during the administration period.
“In the financial year before I was appointed, the union recorded a loss of more than $2 million,” Mr Donnelly said.
“This year we are projecting a surplus of almost $1.5 million.”
“That represents a turnaround of approximately $3.5 million. The union is now operating sustainably, delivering stronger member services and campaigns while responsibly paying down debt and investing in its future.”
Membership has also grown significantly, increasing from 10,674 members at the commencement of the administration to more than 14,500 members at the end of the last quarter — an increase of almost 4,000 members, or approximately 36 per cent.
Mr Donnelly said the achievements of the administration belonged not only to union staff, but to members and delegates across Victoria.
“I have worked closely with members, delegates and staff throughout this process and have been consistently impressed by their commitment, professionalism and determination to rebuild their union.”
“Placing a union into administration is a significant step. It removes control from members and should only ever occur as a measure of last resort.”
“I am satisfied that the circumstances which made administration necessary no longer exist.”
“The union is financially secure, operationally strong, growing its membership and delivering results.”
“Most importantly, it is now ready to be returned to the members so they can determine its future leadership, priorities and long-term direction.”
“It has been a privilege to watch this union find its feet again.”
“The administration will continue until a newly elected leadership of the Health Workers Union is declared. I have every confidence that the organisation will continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
Nominations for Stage One of the election process will open on 15 June 2026, with voting conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission if required. The timetable has been established by the Australian Electoral Commission in accordance with arrangements approved by the Fair Work Commission.