Statement – Vale David Smith, ASU National Secretary – Monday, 25 November 2019

 VALE DAVID SMITH, ASU NATIONAL SECRETARY
On behalf of the Australian Labor Party, we acknowledge the extraordinary contribution to our movement by Australian Services Union National Secretary David Smith.

David passed away unexpectedly on Friday, at just 58 years old.  He was a respected union leader, contributor and counsellor to the labour movement.

David’s union recalls the cohesion and unity he brought to the many branches, industries and officials of the Australian Services Union, particularly during a period of unprecedented attacks on working people by the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Governments.

His expertise on good governance was often called upon across the union movement and the industry superannuation sector.

Perhaps one of David’s greatest legacies will be his work to improve the conditions of low-paid workers, particularly women.

He ran the ground-breaking Queensland Equal Pay case which led to the ASU’s successful national campaign for Equal Pay for the female-dominated social and community services sector, which was supported by the last Labor Government.

David was also a champion for closing the retirement income gap of women through our superannuation system.

Gone too soon, David will be remembered with the utmost respect by the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party.

Vale David Smith.

MONDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2019