Media Release: 3 December 2009

ANF Secretary to run for ACTU President

The Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF), Ged Kearney, said today she welcomed the opportunity to run as the next President of the country's peak union body, the ACTU.

Ms Kearney, 46, is one of two candidates from the left wing union caucus, if the position becomes vacant next year, it was announced today. ACTU Senior Industrial Officer Cath Bowtell, is the other candidate.

Current ACTU President, Sharan Burrow, has indicated she will nominate for the position of General Secretary of the Brussels-based International Trade Union Confederation, next year.

"I am truly honoured to be one of two candidates for the position of President, if it does become available," Ms Kearney said.

"The left caucus will now undertake its democratic process, with a ballot taking place in the near future.

"I look forward to that process and running for the position."

Media Contacts
Eleni Hale, Media and Communications, 0402 337 388
Sue Bellino, ANF Political Director, 0400 188 825

The ANF, with 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.