We all rely on Firefighters and Paramedics to turn up in our greatest time of need. The current system punishes their dedication and service, and punishes their families, by undermining their financial security in retirement.

The dairy industry is currently facing a crisis. From fluctuating milk prices and environmental challenges, the industry is at a crossroads. As they face these challenges, workers, who are on the frontline, must be given a seat at the table. Their insights, experiences, and dedication are invaluable in shaping the future of the dairy sector. The plummeting levels of milk production in Australia to a 30-year low is not just a crisis for the dairy industry, but a pressing issue for the working class and the nation at large. Skyrocketing prices for dairy products disproportionately affect everyday Australians, especially those on fixed or lower incomes. Moreover, the dwindling milk supply has a direct impact on job security for union members who are dairy workers—both farmers and those employed in processing plants. If the industry falters, it's the workers who'll bear the brunt, facing lay-offs and financial instability, further undermining already vulnerable regional communities where many of our members live and work. This dire situation demands that union voices be front and centre in shaping any solutions. State and federal governments must consult with union representatives to invest urgently in the industry's future. The challenges of climate change, which affect both supply and worker conditions, and the unfair pricing dictated by supermarket duopolies like Coles and Woolworths, require a united, collective response. Now, more than ever, we need to mobilise to secure fair pay, conditions, and job security for our members. Our union is committed to fighting for these rights, and we urge all stakeholders to act before the industry reaches a point of no return.

Renters shouldn't be left at the mercy of landlords gouging them when lease renewal time comes up. The Victorian government must take further steps to ensure tenants aren't subjected to unfair rent increases, and that renters have the power to exercise their tenancy rights. Owning property is not a service to the community and it's not a job. Renters don't owe landlords a profit on their investment - but we are owed reasonable standards for the rent we pay! Landlords must stop treating renters like a cash piñata. We deserve affordable, quality housing.

As union members, we believe that having a voice in issues that affect us is a fundamental requirement for strong communities and a respectful country. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and, by extension, the Unions for Yes campaign for First Nations Constitutional recognition and a Voice to Parliament. We believe that all Australians will benefit from hearing the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and sharing in First Nations contributions to our national identity.

Without minimum living standards that is protected by legislation, students are able to be easily exploited by universities and private accommodation providers. There is also no protections of the student's bond being returned in an adequate amount of time. Housing is a human right, and everyone deserves to feel safe and empowered at home.

Australian workers and their families are struggling, but Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe doesn't seem to care at all. Lowe has hit us with 12 interest rate rises in just over a year. Whether you rent or whether you have a mortgage, Australians are paying more for housing while our wages keep falling behind and the cost of everything else spirals out of control. Lowe says workers need to cop the impact of inflation, and he explicitly argues against wage rises for workers at every opportunity. He's a blunt instrument and we need fresh thinking. Lowe has to Gowe.

These changes to WorkCover are designed to make it more difficult for injured workers to claim compensation, and that is unacceptable. The Government must listen to injured workers - not accountants - to make WorkCover work for everyone.

These changes to WorkCover are designed to make it more difficult for injured workers to claim compensation, and that is unacceptable. The Government must listen to injured workers - not accountants - to make WorkCover work for everyone.

Wages are going backwards and have been for 10 years. Workers’ wages are now worth less than they were 10 years ago. Add to this the cost of living and the housing crisis and many people are really struggling. Too many jobs have been contracted out or made insecure. Big companies like Qantas have used loopholes in workplace laws to drive down wages, contract out work, and take away working conditions. It's time to update Australia's workplace laws to protect workers and keep wages moving.

Visy Executive Chair, Anthony Pratt, is one of the wealthiest people in Australia, estimated to be worth $14 billion. But he’d prefer to replace their workforce than see them take home a living wage. This dispute is an indictment on the current industrial laws that permit such power to bosses; and the dire consequences of corporate greed, 'trickle-down' economics, and the disrespect faced by workers in these industries. Visy's Shepparton workers call upon all Visy workers across the country to stand up and fight back against the Pratt family's oppression!

There is broad-based community alarm and dissent that Port Kembla is being considered as the East Coast base for nuclear submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement. There has been no consultation undertaken or consent given by our community. Port Kembla, as part of Greater Wollongong, was declared a nuclear-free city more than 30 years ago, and its status as a nuclear-free zone was reaffirmed only last year. If a nuclear submarine facility was based in Port Kembla Harbour it would require the acquisition and alienation of a massive part of the harbour and the land around it. Land which is a valuable and vital asset for our existing manufacturing, steel, land transport and maritime industries whose epicentre is Port Kembla. Delaying a decision would prolong and amplify uncertainty over exclusion zones, access to land and waterways for our emerging industries and threaten billions of dollars of investment in renewables making it a job killer. The presence of nuclear attack class submarines in our Ports would make us a nuclear target and pose an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of hundreds of thousands of people given potential exposure to hundreds of kilograms of highly enriched uranium. If its not safe for the people of New York City to have Nuclear submarines in their midst, it's not safe for the people of any city.

The Federal Parliament report released today shows that the Labor Government is not acting in the best interest of young Australians, choosing to exacerbate the growing generational wealth gap. The Federal Labor Government must freeze Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) indexation to ease the burden of student debt and have the courage to take on the intergenerational wealth crisis in Australia. NUS is disappointed that the committee report has palmed off the student debt crisis to the Universities Accord process, with no guarantee that HECS indexation will be addressed. “We are already looking at becoming the most indebted generation in Australia's history and now the Federal Government is looking to profit from young Australians during a cost of living crisis,” NUS National President Bailey Riley said. “The government keeps telling students to wait for these accords. The time to act is now, not years into the future once students are thousands of dollars further in HECS debts,” Ms Riley said. The total value of HECS loans will increase by $4.5 billion on 1st June with the average debt projected to increase by $1,700. Indexation at an estimated 7% means that individual HECS debts will increase even if a student or graduate doesn’t earn enough to pay it down. The NUS argues that this indexation is unfair, with the government expected to profit $2.5 billion from students and graduates this year. “Ballooning student loans are pushing young Australians deeper into poverty in the midst of an escalating cost of living crisis," NUS General Secretary Sheldon Gait said. "We know that skyrocketing student debt is causing incredible financial stress and mental health problems for students and young graduates. We are calling on the Federal Government to end this unfair practice which punishes young people already struggling to put food on the table,” Mr Gait said. We urge the Government to listen to the voices of students and graduates and take action to end the unfair practice of HECS indexation.