ETU - Electrical Trades Union of Australia, Victorian Branch

25/06/2026

“LET’S HIT THE GRASS”

A new book, written by a former Victorian ETU official, has just been released that highlights the importance of workers being able to take industrial action. The book, written by Damian King, is titled “Let’s Hit The Grass – A Story About Industrial Action”.

Between 1989 and 2022, Damian worked at an Organiser with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Electrical Trades Union. Over this time, Damian helped union members undertake more than 100 strikes in support of improving wages and employment conditions and enhancing employment security. In “Let’s Hit The Grass”, Damian examines in detail, seven industrial disputes where he represented union members and he shows how this all important right to take industrial action has been substantially restricted over the last 33 years.

“Let’s Hit The Grass” is available to be purchased as either a paper book or as an e-book. More details on this new book can be on found at: https://letsh*tthegrass.carrd.co/

23/06/2026

Reports Debunk Alleged $15 Billion Victoria Big Build Cost Claims

The widespread claim that corruption has added billions of dollars to the cost of Victoria’s Big Build projects has been thoroughly dismantled by two separate, independent reports.

According to an analysis by economist Saul Eslake, Victoria has recorded the lowest infrastructure construction cost inflation of any Australian state or territory since the start of the pandemic.

Furthermore, an evaluation by Emeritus Professor David Hayward has exposed major flaws in the Watson Report, which originally popularised the $15 billion figure. Professor Hayward notes that the Watson Report lacked proper financial modelling and failed to cross-reference its findings with existing, detailed work by the Auditor-General and Parliament’s Public Accounts and Estimates Committee.

In fact, the Watson Report itself explicitly hedged its numbers, describing the figure as a "crude," "very rough estimate" meant "only [as] a guide."

Baseless estimates do not equal proof. Check the math yourself by using the link below.

https://checkthemaths.com.au/

All Building Industry Delegates are requested to display this information in site brew sheds and common areas today to ensure all workers can download the reports and access the facts.

16/06/2026

11/06/2026

You will be green with envy if you miss out on the M3 Jobsite Jumper!!
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
👉 Get yours here: https://bit.ly/4utHdhW

05/06/2026

The King’s Birthday long weekend is officially here, and so is the latest ETU magazine! 👑📖

We’ve got cover boy Andrew Kunkel out at Melb07 with his union crew. Rumour has it he’s signing autographs upon request, so don’t miss out! 😂✍️

Have a brilliant long weekend, enjoy the break, and stay safe!

01/06/2026

Welcome June 2026!

28/05/2026

Need help building your super?

CBUS have Coordinators on the ground to talk about super one-on-one or in a group.
Give them a call on 1300 361 784 to chat about a visit to your workplace.

You can also walk-in and chat to their front counter teams about your super, no appointment needed.

Visit cbussuper.com.au/contact to find your closest front counter team.
Read the relevant PDS and TMD to decide what’s right for you.

Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au

26/05/2026

ORAG welcomes the Victorian Governments sensible fi****ms reforms that strengthen public safety without unfairly targeting law-abiding owners.

We thank Premier Jacinta Allan for recognising Victoria's approximately 250k licensed owners. Farmers, hunters & sporting shooters aren't the problem.

The focus remains on the real risks: cracking down on illicit fi****ms & keeping them away from criminals. ORAG supports practical, evidence-based reforms that protect community safety while respecting outdoor recreation and regional life.

23/05/2026

🚨 EMPOWERING NEWS FOR VICTORIA 🚨

Premier Jacinta Allan just announced the new SEC Training Academy, creating 2,000 Electrical Apprenticeships!

This marks the first time the SEC has hired apprentices since the 90s.
They'll be powering our data centres, renewables, road, and rail projects across Victoria.

Real training leading to Real jobs.
Huge win for the Victorian Electrical industry! ⚡️

13/05/2026

Happy 124th Birthday to the Mighty ETU! ⚡️

Celebrating over a century of strength - the Electrical Trades Union of Victoria has been the backbone of protecting workers and their families since 1902.

We have maintained a fierce legacy of never taking a backwards step. We honour our proud history built on solidarity, skill, and the relentless power of union organising!

Today, we carry forward the torch lit by those who came before us.

Let’s continue to carry that pride forward!