Adam Fernandes – Victorian Division President (Professional Staff)

Nobody is more dedicated to championing the rights of professional staff than Ruth Jelley. Over the past two years, Ruth has tirelessly fought to shine a light on the crucial, yet often overlooked, issue of safe work environments and how our universities set staff up for burnout. 

She has been relentless in her lobbying efforts to raise awareness of the pressures of chronic restructuring, staffing shortages, poor management practices in our universities and TAFEs, and the impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of our members. 

Through her leadership, Ruth has ensured that inclusive workplaces are not just buzzwords, but core values that tangibly improve the work environment for each and every staff member. She has compiled evidence to support Health and Safety Representatives and branch leadership teams to campaign for better universities. Ruth lives and breathes the ideal of safe, equitable workplaces for all.

There is truly no one more suited to fighting our battles. For her unmatched passion, dedication, and results, I am proud to give Ruth Jelley my strongest endorsement for a second term as Assistant Division Secretary. With Ruth at the helm, professional staff know they have a fearless advocate in their corner. I urge you all to re-elect Ruth to continue her vital work.